3 NY Mets players that could sneak their way onto the All-Star Game roster

2) Reed Garrett

Much like the starting rotation, the Amazins’ contingent of arms in the bullpen has helped seal close-margin victories and put them within striking distances in nail-biting finishes. The likes of Edwin Diaz, Huascar Brazoban, and even Max Kranick early in the season gave the Mets a fighting chance in the closest of contests. But a certain pitcher, in particular, has been easily one of the defining arms able to enter any pressure-filled situation and deliver the final out when Edwin Diaz’s trumpets don’t sound in the 9th inning.

The graduate of Virginia Military Institute, Reed Garrett has navigated a winding career path to undoubtedly be a go-to piece for manager Carlos Mendoza in the late innings. Bursting onto the scene last season, Garrett showcased a devastating splitter and high fastball heat that bewildered batters. As batters slowly started to pick up on his limited pitch mix late in the season, Garrett expanded his options, tinkering with a multitude of pitches with the help of pitching coach Jeremy Hefner.

Garrett’s results so far this season speak for themselves: from his 1.23 ERA, 30+ strikeouts across 28+ innings, and perhaps more importantly, his ability to mostly limit inherited runners from scoring.

What may slightly complicate Garrett’s prospective chance of becoming a first-time All-Star: non-closers are often not picked to be in the bullpen. In last year’s Midsummer Classic, the only non-closer to be tabbed in either team’s bullpen was Phillies southpaw Matt Strahm. Perhaps his couple of saves this season so far may garner him some extra points.