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NY Mets: 3 reasons to remain confident in the bullpen in 2021

By Mason Smoller

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: Relief pitcher Jeurys Familia #27 of the New York Mets in action during an MLB baseball game against the Atlanta Braves on September 20, 2020 at Citi Field in the Queens borough of New York City. Braves won 7-0. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: Relief pitcher Jeurys Familia #27 of the New York Mets in action during an MLB baseball game against the Atlanta Braves on September 20, 2020 at Citi Field in the Queens borough of New York City. Braves won 7-0. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /
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PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – MARCH 16: Jeurys Familia #27 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros in a spring training game at Clover Park on March 16, 2021 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – MARCH 16: Jeurys Familia #27 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros in a spring training game at Clover Park on March 16, 2021 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

When it comes to pitching, the New York Mets strength has been the starting rotation for years now. It has featured the likes of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, and many more. All who are capable of shutting out an opponent any given day…

At least until the game gets handed to the bullpen.

The Amazins’ biggest weakness in recent seasons has been the performance of their relief pitchers. Numerous blown saves, implosions, and inconsistency amongst personnel have led to the team’s starters watching the leads they protected fade away. A result that deGrom especially has become used over the past three years.

Take the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2020 season for example. Yes, the Mets had great performances from Justin Wilson, Chasen Shreve, and an improved Jeurys Familia. However, when struggling relievers such as Corey Oswalt, Walker Lockett, or Paul Sewald continue to receive bulk innings, it is a big issue.

As the Mets enter the 2021 season, it is time to be confident in the team’s bullpen

This off-season, one that will bring more normalcy as the league has improved their coronavirus protocols, saw the Mets make strides around the team. They added more offensive firepower, improved the team’s defense, acquired more starting pitching, and above all, altered the bullpen.

Yes, there are still going to be plenty of questions and concerns regarding the overall health of the relievers, as well as what they can bring to the table in 2021. But, the bottom line is fans can be confident when manager Luis Rojas makes a call to the bullpen this season. And here is why…

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