NY Mets: 3 ways the team failed, 3 ways they succeeded in 2021

The Mets succeeded at building a credible bullpen

For as underwhelmed as I was with the starting rotation this year, the exact opposite can be said about the bullpen. Even if Aaron Loup is the only guy pitching remarkably well, the collaborative effort by everyone has made them a success.

I don’t care how much heartbreak there was at times, how much Luis Rojas may have mismanaged them, or what the numbers say. After the last few years of having zero trust in the Mets relievers, this group has been a breath of fresh air—I’m talking blind date “holy *bleep* they look fine,” pop a whole pack of mints in your mouth kind of fresh.

Closer Edwin Diaz has had his battles. For the most part, he has been a trustworthy member of the bullpen this year whether some people will admit it or not.

Aside from the last man from the ‘pen, we have gotten good years from Trevor May and Miguel Castro along with the steadiest reliever of all for the last several seasons, Seth Lugo. All three have played different roles for the Mets this season in relief. Each leaves the 2021 campaign successful.

Finally, from the successful category, we have to acknowledge Jeurys Familia. All but written off entirely at the start of this year, he had a more than satisfactory 2021.

Although these names don’t make up every reliever we have seen in the bullpen this year, they were used the most and deserve a tip of the cap.