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Three Mets who will absolutely not be back after the 2021 season

By Mason Smoller

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Jeurys Familia #27 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Clover Park on March 03, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Jeurys Familia #27 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Clover Park on March 03, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 18: Steven Matz #32 of the New York Mets reacts after pitching during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on September 18, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 18: Steven Matz #32 of the New York Mets reacts after pitching during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on September 18, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Pitcher Steven Matz

This list would not be complete without Steven Matz’s name. Coming off of the worst season of his career, it comes as no surprise that 2021 could make or break his Mets career. That is, assuming he is able to bounce back.

In the abbreviated 2020 season, Matz put up the worst numbers of his career. Of his nine games, six were starts, only one lasting through six innings. Matz posted an abysmal 9.68era, easily the worst of his career.

Last season, the Mets needed Matz to step up. Noah Syndergaard was hurt, and Marcus Stroman had opted out, and with Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha struggling, it was Matz’s time to shine. Clearly, he did not.

While 2020 was the worst year of his career, it was yet another massive disappointment for the New York native. Drafted in the second round of the 2009 June Amateur Draft, Matz came to the majors with high expectations. Early on, he looked that mark of a high-end starter, with a 2.27era in 2015, then 3.40era in 2016.

Injuries plagued him in 2017 before he posted back-to-back 30 start campaigns in 2018 and 2019. At that point it seemed unlikely he would be an ace, though, nobody saw his fall off coming.

In fact, this off-season, non-tendering Matz was a legitimate option. Now back for one more season, Matz is receiving $5.2 million as a potential long reliever or emergency starter. With his future up in the air given not having a set-in-stone role, chances are he will not be back with the team in 2021.

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