Three Mets surprises we could see during the 2021 season

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 25: Noah Syndergaard #34 of the New York Mets of the New York Mets looks on during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on August 25, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Teams are wearing special color-schemed uniforms with players choosing nicknames to display for Players' Weekend. The Braves won 2-1. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 25: Noah Syndergaard #34 of the New York Mets of the New York Mets looks on during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on August 25, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Teams are wearing special color-schemed uniforms with players choosing nicknames to display for Players' Weekend. The Braves won 2-1. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 05: Edwin Diaz #39 (R) and Robinson Chirinos #26 of the New York Mets in action against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on September 05, 2020 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Phillies 5-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 05: Edwin Diaz #39 (R) and Robinson Chirinos #26 of the New York Mets in action against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on September 05, 2020 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Phillies 5-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Mets bullpen carries the pitching staff

For the past few years, nobody has modeled consistency like starting pitcher Jacob deGrom. The 32-year-old once again will be the face of the Mets’ pitching staff, joined by Marcus Stroman. But who else will be joining him?

On the roster, Seth Lugo, David Peterson, Steven Matz, and Robert Gsellman could fill out the remainder of the Mets starting rotation. Although, Lugo and Gsellman are best out of the bullpen. Peterson showed promising flashes but in a small sample size last season. Meanwhile, who knows what Matz will provide.

The Mets starting rotation is in flux, as the bullpen is set to finally have stability. Closer Edwin Diaz and veteran Jeurys Familia are both coming off of bounce-back campaigns. Diaz quietly posted a 1.75ERA with 50 strikeouts in just 25.2 innings, while Familia’s ERA went down from 5.70 to 3.71.

Not to mention, the Mets will be getting full seasons out of Dellin Betances and Miguel Castro. Betances, last offseason’s big signing, had injuries linger through 2020. As for Castro, who was acquired at the deadline his past season, never really settled in.

New York will also have free agent signing Trevor May joining the group, as well as Brad Bach, Drew Smith, amongst others providing plenty of options. And that does not even include if Lugo and Gsellman return to the bullpen if the Mets look elsewhere to fill out the rotation. Without a doubt, it would be huge for the Mets if they could rely on the bullpen given the questions in the rotation in 2021.

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