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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 18: Aaron Loup #32 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals in a spring training game at Clover Park on March 18, 2021 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – MARCH 18: Aaron Loup #32 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals in a spring training game at Clover Park on March 18, 2021 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Mets have significant bullpen depth

One of the top priorities for the Mets this off-season was adding depth around the diamond. The team brought players such as Albert Almora, Kevin Pillar, and Jonathan Villar to add depth to the field. There are also the additions of Joey Lucchesi, Sam McWilliams, Sean Reid-Foley, and Jordan Yamamoto who all can start whenever necessary.

Yet, one of the deeper units of the team is now the bullpen. A group that will be highlighted by Seth Lugo once he returns from injury, the Mets have more arms to turn to than ever.

Edwin Diaz will be back in the closer role in 2021. Free agent signing Trevor May will add a huge flame thrower before him. Plus, mid-season acquisition Miguel Castro will be back for his first full season with the team.

Outside of those three, Rojas can pick and choose who he wants to send into the game. Dellin Betances will be back healthy, and Jeurys Familia will look to be more consistent this season. The same can be said too for Robert Gsellman.

There are also new faces to the bullpen, like lefty Aaron Loup, who will likely be the team’s primary southpaw. Not to mention those competing for spots on the opening day roster in Jacob Barnes, Drew Smith, and Stephen Tarpley. All who have performed well in spring training.

There is no doubt about the risk of New York’s bullpen, given the inconsistent play of most of these arms in recent years. At the same time, the upside and the depth of the group is too good to ignore, being the reason why the bullpen projects well with FanGraphs in 2021.

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