2 NY Mets players who should lose playing time, 1 to lean on finishing strong

The New York Mets have reached the part of the season where every decision matters. Lineup cards and bullpen calls can be the difference between October baseball and early tee times, yet not every trade pickup or veteran has earned the spotlight they’ve been given. Some players need to see the bench more. Another might help be a solution if he can recapture his early success.

Cedric Mullins needs a reduced role

Since joining the Mets at the trade deadline, Cedric Mullins has struggled to provide the offensive spark the team hoped for. In 90 at-bats, he’s hitting just .178 with a .290 OBP and a .567 OPS, driving in only eight runs while striking out 26 times. That kind of production is far below what was expected from a player brought in to energize the lineup and create momentum in key situations.

The timing has only made matters worse. Heading into Monday’s game against the Phillies, Mullins was in the midst of a 0-for-24 slump that extended to 0-for-26 after another strikeout and a pop-out on a bunt attempt, marking the longest hitless streak of his career. The Amazins would be better served to minimize his role, giving more at-bats to McNeil in center field, who has handled the position competently while producing far more consistently at the plate.

Time to cut Ryne Stanek's role

Ryne Stanek has been inconsistent all season, and recent numbers highlight just how unreliable he’s become. Through 48 innings, he’s pitched to a 4.27 ERA while allowing 50 hits and 29 walks. His 49 strikeouts have helped him escape some jams, but not nearly enough, as opposing hitters are batting .300 with a .520 slugging percentage with runners in scoring position. For a reliever, those numbers make it difficult to trust him in critical situations.

The struggles intensified in August, when Stanek posted a staggering 12.38 ERA over 10 appearances, allowing 11 hits and 8 walks. His few innings in September haven’t shown signs of improvement, and it’s clear he can no longer be counted on in anything beyond extremely low-leverage spots. The Mets are better off leaning on more reliable arms when games are on the line if they hope to maintain control down the stretch.

Reed Garrett needs to regain form

Reed Garrett was a bullpen force for the Mets early in the season, dominating from Opening Day through May 31. In 24.2 innings, he posted a microscopic 0.73 ERA, allowing just 15 hits and 13 walks while striking out 28. Garrett’s performance helped stabilize the back end of the bullpen, giving the Mets reliable innings in high-leverage situations and setting the tone for close games.

Since July 1, however, Garrett’s effectiveness has dipped, with a 5.75 ERA highlighting the struggles that coincided with inconsistency and injury. He spent time on the IL from August 25 through September 7 with elbow inflammation, and has only made one appearance since returning, tossing a scoreless inning with a strikeout and a hit allowed. If the Mets hope to finish the season strong, Garrett needs to regain the form that made him so effective early on and anchor critical innings and at-bats down the stretch.