NY Mets bullpen injury woes have a solution, just not one they can deploy yet 

The New York Mets have experienced a surprisingly strong start to the season, leading the league with an impressive ERA fueled by unexpected brilliance from their starting pitching staff. However, while the rotation has shone, the bullpen has been hit with a different story. Recent injuries, particularly to left-handed specialist Danny Young and high-leverage righty A.J. Minter, have left the team particularly vulnerable against left-handed hitters and in late-inning situations.

Having a healthy and dependable bullpen is paramount for the Mets' aspirations of not just reaching the playoffs but making a deep run towards the World Series. While the organization boasts promising arms in the minor leagues who could potentially contribute, a more immediate and impactful solution might lie within their burgeoning starting pitching depth.

Starting pitching depth offers potential relief

The Mets entered the 2025 campaign anticipating a rotation anchored by Sean Manaea and bolstered by the acquisition of Frankie Montas. However, fate had other plans, as both pitchers have yet to throw a single pitch this season due to injuries. Fortunately, manager Carlos Mendoza recently provided encouraging updates on their progress, stating that both Manaea and Montas are advancing well in their respective rehabilitation programs and could potentially make their debuts around the end of June.

Adding to this optimistic outlook, Paul Blackburn is also on the mend and appears to be further along in his recovery. Furthermore, the Mets boast exciting pitching prospects like Brandon Sproat, the organization's top pitching prospect, and Blade Tidwell, who has already made his major league debut this season. Both possess the talent to contribute meaningfully throughout the second half of the year.

This wealth of starting pitching options presents an intriguing opportunity for the Mets to address their bullpen deficiencies. David Peterson stands out as a prime candidate for a potential move to the bullpen. Throughout last season and the early part of this year, Peterson has proven to be a reliable and effective pitcher. Notably, in 2024, the Mets utilized him in a bullpen role in the playoffs due to the lack of a dependable left-handed reliever, and he excelled, posting a stellar 2.08 ERA in the postseason in that capacity.

As Manaea and Montas inch closer to their returns, the Mets will face decisions regarding their rotation composition. They could opt for a six-man rotation for the remainder of the season or consider transitioning one of their current starters, such as Tylor Megill or Griffin Canning, to the bullpen. Additionally, Blackburn, upon his return, could also be utilized in a relief role to provide much-needed support.

While the current bullpen injury situation presents a challenge, the New York Mets are not without potential solutions. The silver lining lies in their considerable depth in the starting rotation, which offers a viable pathway to fortify their relief corps as the season progresses. The eventual return of injured starters will create opportunities to strategically deploy existing arms in the bullpen, addressing current weaknesses and bolstering their chances for a successful season.