Mets Closer Depth Chart: Who is second in line behind Edwin Diaz?

Mets Closer Option – Seth Lugo

Arguably the Mets top relief pitcher over the past few seasons, in the event Edwin Diaz’s spot as closer opens up, based on his previous performances, Seth Lugo would be the number one choice to fill the role.

Since being moved to the bullpen in the 2018 season, Lugo has been very effective out of the pen in a number of different roles, either as a long man, set up man, or even closing out a few games himself.

For the 2018 season, Lugo logged a 2.66 ERA following his move to the pen, and a 2.70 ERA in 2019, where he took over as closer during the final 2 months of the season due to struggles by Edwin Diaz.

Lugo started out the 2020 season as a reliever before moving into the starting rotation due to a number of injuries and season opt-outs from the Mets’ starting pitchers, a move which had mixed results.

He continued his dominance as a reliever to begin the year, appearing in 9 games out of the pen, recording a 2.61 ERA over 10.1 innings while saving 3 games. Despite his success as a reliever, following his move to the starting rotation, Lugo struggled and logged a 6.15 ERA in 7 starts.

Clearly over the past 3 years, Lugo has been a very effective pitcher coming out of the bullpen. Based on his performance as a starter in 2020, the Mets are likely to keep him there going into 2021.

He has had success in his brief auditions as a closer for the Mets in the past, and should the occasion arise, he is likely the best suited to handle the role for New York.