NY Mets: Three way-too-early potential trade deadline targets

Relief Pitcher Raisel Iglesias

No, the starting rotation is not the position of concern for the Mets. In fact, it might be the strongest once they get into their zone. As for the team’s bullpen, who knows what their deal will be this season.

For years the Mets bullpen has been as inconsistent as any in all of baseball. Seth Lugo is the headliner of the group, being the lone reliable reliever the past few seasons. All because of the struggles and consistency issues of the rest.

Edwin Diaz enters year three with the team. His first year was a massive disappointment, and while he did improve in 2020, he was far from perfect.

The Mets also have arms like Castro, Dellin Betances, Jeurys Familia, Aaron Loup, and others in the bullpen, except, none have earned the trust in high leverage situations. Even their prized off-season addition to the group Trevor May has already been a liability in his first couple of outings.

Thus, the Mets will likely turn to the trade deadline to help resolve their bullpen woes. And a name that could come up in conversations is Los Angeles Angels reliever Raisel Iglesias.

The 31-year-old righty is set for free agency after the season and has been one of baseball’s more dependable pitchers since hitting the majors in 2015. Through his first six years with the Reds, Iglesias threw 411.2 innings, earning a 3.20era and striking out 479.

Should the Mets acquire Iglesias, it gives them another flamethrower out of the pen, and one who is also capable of closing. From 2017-2019, Iglesias registered 92 saves in 104 opportunities. Clearly, Iglesias is a guy that the Mets should be willing to welcome with open arms for bullpen help.