NY Mets Monday Morning GM: 3 trade deadline questions David Stearns needs to answer

3) How essential is an elite lefty reliever in the bullpen?

A carousel of relievers have tried their hand at being the solution for the Mets in the bullpen in place of A.J. Minter and to a much lesser extent, Danny Young. Genesis Cabrera, Jose Castillo, Richard Lovelady, etc. have all tried and failed to varying degrees. A left-handed reliever is essential, but just how big of a name do the Mets need to add?

The good news for the Mets is they already have a bullet in the chamber. Brooks Raley is rehabbing his way back from Tommy John surgery. If he’s anything like he was in 2023 and abbreviated 2024, they’ll be in good hands. Raley should be good enough to be the best southpaw out of the bullpen. Sprinkle in a little bit of someone else and we’re cooking.

Lefty relief help is a common trade deadline need for many teams. It’s a specialized role that isn’t always so clear cut. The Mets could always make a trade for someone of the Aroldis Chapman level, adding to their payroll while giving up prospects and maybe even taking a chance at having a comfortable closer in non-save situations a little too often.

Practically, the Mets would benefit from maybe considering Brandon Waddell for an occasional role in the bullpen as a lefty specialist. He has done well for the team. The change is worth consideration if they aren’t able to swing the right deal.

More than an elite lefty reliever, the Mets need arms who can get anyone out. The hand they throw with is irrelevant.