What the projected NY Mets bullpen looks like after the Luke Weaver signing

Luke Weaver is the newest member of the New York Mets bullpen, answering a major question as to who’ll be a right-handed setup man as well as some added insurance in case of a Devin Williams fall. The pair of ex-New York Yankees relievers changed boroughs and will now insert themselves into the latter part of games in Mets victories.

A player like Weaver was a must for the Mets. Their bullpen was an insecure spot at the end of last season with even more questions since the offseason began. What does the projected bullpen look like now with Weaver inserted in?

The projected Mets bullpen after the Luke Weaver signing

There are certainly questions of health for guys like A.J. Minter, who might not begin the year healthy enough to pitch, as well as Adbert Alzolay who is coming off of Tommy John surgery. Even though he’s pitching in Winter Ball, holding Alzolay out of action to begin the year wouldn’t be unwise if there are any concerns.

At the moment, both are in what FanGraphs projects the Mets bullpen to look like:

Closer - Devin Williams
Setup - Luke Weaver
Setup - A.J. Minter
Middle - Adbert Alzolay
Middle - Brooks Raley
Middle - Huascar Brazoban
Middle - Richard Lovelady
Long Man - Cooper Criswell

Abundantly clear that there’s room for an upgrade or two, we can be insistent that Richard Lovelady doesn’t make the team short of an injury and Cooper Criswell is teetering as an option, too. Both have the same contract situation where they’ll get paid a higher than normal rate in the minor leagues, making them less appealing on the waiver wire for anyone who might have the nerve to try to steal them. It’s exactly how the Mets managed to get Criswell in the first place.

Other options could include Austin Warren, Dylan Ross, and Joey Gerber. Alex Carrillo is also currently on the 40-man roster at the moment, giving the Mets a fourth choice on the depth chart. The Mets have added multiple relievers this offseason on a smaller scale, signed to minor league deals. Several of them could compete for a final bullpen spot in camp.

The one spot that might be most up for grabs is the long man. Players like Brandon Waddell (currently in DFA limbo) and Justin Hagenman are returning and coming off of somewhat successful stints.

We can figure the Mets will add at least one better reliever over Lovelady and go internal with the long man spot whether it's Criswell or someone else.