NY Mets playoff roster: Predicting the 13 pitchers they'd choose for the NLWC round

As the New York Mets gear up for a highly anticipated postseason run, the front office faces the crucial task of assembling a formidable 13-pitcher roster for the wild-card series. With the recent loss of right-handed reliever Reed Garrett to an elbow sprain that has officially ended his regular season, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Kodai Senga's mechanics and potential playoff role, the decisions have become even more complex.

The construction of this pitching staff will be paramount to their success, especially with a potential matchup against the balanced and potent Los Angeles Dodgers looming. The Mets are keenly aware of the need to build a versatile and adaptable group of arms, capable of handling various game situations and matchups. The lessons from past playoff experiences, where a lack of depth and flexibility proved costly, are undoubtedly fresh in their minds. This year, the emphasis is on creating a roster that can provide manager Carlos Mendoza with a multitude of options, ensuring they are well-prepared for any challenge the opposition presents.

Crafting a flexible and dynamic pitching roster

To achieve this, the Mets are likely to lean into a blend of traditional roles and innovative piggybacking strategies. This approach will allow them to maximize the effectiveness of their pitchers while keeping opposing hitters off balance. The 13 pitchers who could make the cut for the wild-card series are:

In this scenario, the Mets would have the ability to deploy a Holmes-Manaea piggyback, a strategy that has been experimented with and could be highly effective depending on the matchup. This pairing would allow them to control the early and middle innings with two distinct looks, effectively neutralizing both right-handed and left-handed-heavy lineups. Additionally, a Tong-Peterson combination could be utilized to boost the promising young arm of Tong while balancing the workload of Peterson, giving the Mets another multi-inning weapon.

A key feature of this proposed roster is the inclusion of four left-handed pitchers: Manaea, Raley, Soto, and Peterson. This provides a crucial balance and addresses a significant need, particularly when facing a team like the Dodgers. Los Angeles boasts a well-rounded offense that hits effectively against both right-handed and left-handed pitching, with a wRC+ of around 110 against both. Having four lefties between rotation and bullpen at their disposal gives the Mets the flexibility to play the matchups and avoid the predicament they faced in the last ALCS against the Dodgers, where they were forced to rely heavily on Peterson due to a lack of other left-handed options.

Ultimately, this 13-man pitching staff would be built on the principles of flexibility and depth. The combination of high-leverage relievers like Diaz, Helsley, and Soto, with the multi-inning capabilities of pitchers like Holmes, Manaea, and Peterson, would give the Mets a significant advantage. This roster construction would not only provide answers for various in-game situations but also demonstrate a proactive approach to solving the challenges that have hindered them in previous postseasons. By embracing creativity and maximizing the talent on their roster, the Mets can put themselves in a strong position to make a deep run in October.