Undefined and unique roles helps make the NY Mets pitching staff this deep

For the New York Mets, it’s not about who’s a starter, who’s a reliever, and when you get your outs. A big part of this organization’s philosophy with pitching is getting 27 outs from anyone, at any time.

Sure, there are specific players listed as starters. Others are locked in as relievers. But with the way this organization has tackled its pitching staff, particularly in the offseason with additions, they aren’t so stubborn when it comes to defining roles. It has worked well for them this season and we’re continuing to see the fruits of this way of thinking. More teams should follow.

More than usual, the Mets have a pitching staff that isn’t defined by starters or relievers

When the Mets have needed a sixth starter, they’ve made sure to promote someone who can give them length but were hesitant in two instances to actually start the player. Huascar Brazoban was twice used as an opener. Once came with Justin Hagenman piggybacking. The other was with Brandon Waddell.

Each was an under-the-radar quality offseason addition. The Mets gave Hagenman a major league contract despite never pitching in the big leagues. Waddell, who had a few cups of coffee around the league, came over after success in Korea. He’s a starter by trade but someone the Mets seem to prefer as a long man as opposed to an emergency starter.

Waddell has already shown his value. He tossed 4.1 innings of relief in the team’s April 30 loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He took one on the chin for them on May 28 when the club lost to the Chicago White Sox. The 5 innings he gave them in that outing saved the bullpen. He threw 94 pitches which is more than any reliever ever should toss in a game where it’s uncertain they’ll even see the field. A shutout inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his most recent appearance was a slightly different look as he only had to get through one frame.

This year’s Mets pitching staff has a uniqueness that didn’t seem fully planned. Brazoban has been a long reliever at times. Max Kranick, a converted starter last season, has done the same with a lot of success. The team recently announced they’d be moving Paul Blackburn into a relief role after one start. For him, it was a numbers game where the team simply didn’t have enough spots on the roster. We also can’t forget about Jose Butto who, despite not being as sharp as last year, is still capable of getting more than 3 outs each time he plays.

More of this is on the way. A surplus of starting pitchers, which was planned, could have someone else eventually moving into the bullpen as well. Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas are working their way back from IL stints. Someone, whether they like it or not, could end up in the bullpen if the team can avoid injury. The ball club’s early success in 2025 with its starting staff could make it so a few feelings are hurt.

Or maybe the Mets simply have everyone buy into the plan. Blackburn didn’t sound like a move to the bullpen was a demotion. It shouldn’t be thought of as one.