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3 injured NY Mets who would’ve made the biggest difference during 2025 stretch run

It sure would have been nice to have these three NY Mets playing and healthy right now.
ByNoah Wright|
May 2, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Jesse Winker (3) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
May 2, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Jesse Winker (3) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
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3) Max Kranick

The Mets were exceptionally confident in Max Kranick. The right-hander tossed 43.2 innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 and 2022 while putting up a 5.56 ERA. He underwent Tommy John surgery during the first half of the ‘22 season. He didn’t pitch in 2023 and only pitched at Syracuse last season. Despite the lengthy layoff and lack of results in the Major Leagues, the Mets selected Kranick for their Wild Card roster.

The Mets continued to show confidence in Kranick, giving him an Opening Day roster spot as a long relief man out of the bullpen, and he rewarded them with some solid results. His first 37 innings saw him work to a 3.65 ERA, 3.96 FIP, and 1.05 WHIP. While he only struck out 16.9% of opponents with a 1.22 HR/9 ratio, he had a microscopic 3.4% walk rate. Despite not having pitched since June 15, Kranick still has the 4th-lowest walk rate among relievers with at least 30 IP this season.

Unfortunately, Kranick hasn’t pitched since the middle of June as he underwent the second major elbow procedure of his career. He was initially placed on the 10-day IL with an elbow strain, but would have surgery in late July. Luckily, Kranick avoided Tommy John surgery, but the surgery still left him out for the remainder of the season.

Kranick may not have been elite, but he served an essential multi-inning role. Since his injury, the Mets have tried multiple different pitchers, but none have proven to be able to stick. Huascar Brazoban struggled badly after a scorching hot April and May. The Mets attempted to use Frankie Montas out of the bullpen, but he struggled before hitting the IL indefinitely. Brandon Waddell was given a chance, but after a poor July, he was sent back to Triple-A. Sean Manaea looks to be their current option in the role Kranick left behind, but it remains to be seen how he can perform in that role.

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