SF Giants have handed the NY Mets a roster upgrade they badly need

Late-March roster decisions are not about upside anymore; they are about who can actually get outs right now. The New York Mets are down to their final bullpen spot with Opening Day just days away, and the current options have not exactly made that choice comfortable. When you are trying to win games immediately, this is not the time to talk yourself into something that has not worked so far.

At the same time, a familiar name just hit the market after putting together a more effective season elsewhere. No one is confusing this with a major move or expecting anything more than steady innings out of that spot. But for one bullpen role, the decision can be simple, and the better answer might not be in camp right now.

Mets could turn to Joey Lucchesi as a better bullpen option

The Mets’ final bullpen spot has turned into a choice rather than a competition. With Craig Kimbrel no longer in the mix, the decision is down to what is already in camp versus what could be added right now. With A.J. Minter expected back in about a month, this is a short-term role. The focus should be on getting reliable innings, not waiting for something to develop.

That is where the current options fall short. Bryan Hudson has not shown enough this spring to lock down the role, posting a 16.20 ERA over 3.1 innings while allowing five hits and three walks. The Amazins were hoping for a usable left-handed option, but the results have not supported that. Richard Lovelady is also in the mix, but that does not offer much more confidence heading into the season.

Lucchesi, a former Mets reliever, is now available after being released by the San Francisco Giants. Last season, he posted a 3.76 ERA over 38.1 innings with a 3.97 FIP, allowing 35 hits and 12 walks while striking out 31. He also held left-handed hitters to a .219 average with a .301 slugging percentage, which fits what this role calls for.

For a bullpen spot that only needs to hold until Minter returns, the decision should be straightforward. The Mets do not need to gamble on what might happen. They need a better option right now, and Lucchesi offers a stronger case than what is currently in camp.