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NY Mets Bullpen: The only 2 offseason moves needed

By Tim Boyle

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman #0 of the New York Mets walks out from the bullpen with catcher James McCann #33 and the rest of the Mets starting pitchers before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 30, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Mets 2-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman #0 of the New York Mets walks out from the bullpen with catcher James McCann #33 and the rest of the Mets starting pitchers before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 30, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Mets 2-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Aug 2, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; detailed view of the cap and glove of New York Mets shortstop Javier Baez (not pictured) in the dugout prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

The Mets need to acquire a young stud reliever

An issue I see growing with the Mets is how few controllable relievers they have in the bullpen. Diaz, Lugo, and May are all free agents after 2022. So are Gsellman and Williams. This leaves them with a lot of holes to fill in the next two years.

Acquiring some young stud reliever now could make a huge difference for the Mets in the not-too-distant future. It doesn’t have to be a closer or even a guy with an All-Star pedigree. The Mets just need some promising young arm in the bullpen who can serve them well in innings six through eight.

Chances are the Mets won’t find this type of player in free agency. Because guys don’t get there until their late 20s at the earliest, it might be more beneficial for the team to look at the trade market. With multiple trade candidates at their disposal, it could be worth their while to pursue any deals involving young arms.

Last winter, we saw the Mets trade Steven Matz for three young arms. Yennsy Diaz and Sean Reid-Foley were the two that remained with the organization into the regular season. Each also saw some big league action. Both could again find their way into the Mets bullpen in 2022. However, each felt more like fillers than mainstays. I prefer to have each of them as depth over anything else.

Next. 10 notable Mets trades in August

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At the very least, I would like the Mets to land one guy who will at least remain with the club through the 2023 season. He doesn’t need to be a spring chicken or even the most trustworthy arm out there. All he really needs to be is an upgrade over Familia. It also won’t hurt if he comes cheaply and allows the team to use the payroll elsewhere.

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