Flaming out NY Mets pitcher should have the team soaring to trade for this player

Since early June, the New York Mets’ bullpen has felt like a backyard fireworks show. There have been a few brilliant bursts and colorful trails lighting up the sky, but just as many duds that fizzle out in a sad puff of smoke. Lately, one reliever has been more sparkler than Roman candle. Huascar Brazoban started the year with some flash but has quickly fizzled as the season has worn on. It might be time to rethink how he fits into the next show.

Brazoban’s recent stretch has looked like an overhyped firework, plenty of noise at first, but little follow-through once the smoke has cleared. His command has scattered, the outs have gotten tougher, and other arms have been left to clean up the mess. That doesn’t mean he should be left out of the next display entirely, but the team could use a steadier burst to light up the sky. One reliever in Colorado might be worth lighting next.

Huascar Brazoban’s struggles highlight why the NY Mets should consider trading for Rockies reliever Jake Bird.

Since June 1st, Huascar Brazoban’s performance has taken a sharp downturn. In just 9.2 innings over this stretch, he’s posted a troubling 12.10 ERA, walked 13 batters, struck out 11, and opposing hitters have hit .257 against him. This is a stark contrast to his strong start to the season, where he logged a 1.47 ERA with 28 strikeouts and only seven walks across 30.2 innings. The sharp decline signals that Brazoban has lost the command and effectiveness that once made him a reliable bullpen piece.

Given these struggles, it would be wise for the Mets to consider moving Brazoban into a low-leverage role, similar to how they handled Ryne Stanek earlier this season. Allowing him to rebuild his form away from high-pressure situations could help stabilize his performance. But with the trade deadline approaching, the Amazins' shouldn’t stop there.

General Manager David Stearns should look to bolster the bullpen by targeting Rockies reliever Jake Bird. At 29 and in his fourth MLB season, Bird has been a bright spot for Colorado despite their horrific season. Bird boasts a 2.79 ERA this year and a striking 28.6% strikeout rate, ranking in the top 15% across MLB. He also sports a low 4.9%-barrel rate, top 8% in MLB, along with strong chase, whiff, and ground ball percentages, all hallmarks of a dependable reliever.

Especially valuable in a league loaded with big left-handed bats, Bird has held lefties to a .236 batting average and a 31% strikeout rate. For a Mets bullpen that has struggled to consistently shut down opposing hitters late in games, acquiring Jake Bird could provide a crucial boost.

As the Mets approach the trade deadline, it’s clear that their bullpen needs more than occasional flashes of brilliance to carry them through the stretch run. Brazoban’s recent sputters have left too many sparks fizzling early, and while he still has a role to play, the team can’t afford to rely on inconsistent bursts when the stakes are highest. Bringing in a steady hand like Bird could be the spark the Mets need to turn their bullpen from a shaky backyard display into a show worthy of the postseason spotlight.