3 worst years by NY Mets closers who were usually much better

3) Jesse Orosoco

Jesse Orosco established himself as an important member of the Mets’ bullpen in the early-1980s. From ‘82 through ‘86, Orosco pitched to a 2.34 ERA (154 ERA+), a 3.10 FIP, and 1.15 WHIP across 466.1 innings. Orosco would become the Mets closer in 1983, went to two all-star games in ‘83 and ‘84, and even finished top three in Cy Young voting in ‘83.

However, 1987 would be Orosco’s worst season with the Mets. In 77 innings, the lefty had just a 4.44 ERA/86 ERA+, 1.42 WHIP, but a strong 2.97 FIP. Orosco had some decent peripherals, including a 23.3% K%, 9.3% walk rate, and 0.58 HR/9. However, he uncharacteristically struggled in high leverage, as opponents had a .789 OPS against him in these situations. Orosco was then traded to the LA Dodgers in a three-team trade that also included the Oakland Athletics, with the Mets receiving three players in return.

Although Orosco’s 1987 had its ups and downs, he would go on to have a solid 11-season stretch after the Mets traded him. The left-handed reliever owned a 3.20 ERA (134 ERA+), 3.78 FIP, and 1.26 WHIP over his next 588.1 innings of work with the Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, and Baltimore Orioles. Orosco had a league average or better ERA+ in ten of these 11 seasons, falling just one percentage point short in 1999 with the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Orosco would finish off his career bouncing around with the Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals, a second stint with the Dodgers, as well as the San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, and Minnesota Twins, all three of which he suited up for in 2003. However, he would not pitch well, with just a 5.25 ERA (81 ERA+), 4.93 FIP, and 1.58 WHIP. He was also primarily used against left-handed pitching, tossing just 111.1 innings in 227 games.