NY Mets trade is going so bad fans may prefer an unpopular player to make the team

The New York Mets made two trades this offseason with the Chicago White Sox. The big one brought us Luis Robert Jr. The smaller added Bryan Hudson for cash considerations.

Hudson was a fascinating addition by the Mets. A year removed from a spectacular 2024 campaign with the Milwaukee Brewers featuring a 1.73 ERA, he was a perfect answer for the bullpen while A.J. Minter rehabbed.

Things haven’t gone well for Hudson. A 16.20 ERA this spring, including 3 earned runs in an inning on Friday, have him feeling like a DFA candidate in the very near future. Considering the Mets just brought back Richard Lovelady via waivers, they might feel the same way, too.

Who thought you’d want Richard Lovelady on the Mets roster?

Lovelady hasn’t pitched for the Mets this spring, but a 2.25 ERA and 7 strikeouts in 4 innings with the Washington Nationals is far more promising than the Hudson performance. He is what he is and that’s good enough for the role he’d have.

The Mets don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. A third option, not carrying a second lefty at all, should be on speaking terms with the Mets.

Craig Kimbrel is considered the other candidate to make the team. While unimpressive himself, he has been better than Hudson. Kimbrel’s issue has been control with 5 walks and 2 hit batters in 5 innings of work. The ERA isn’t explosive at 3.60. Throwing strikes, a tell-tale red flag if there ever was one, is what could have him failing to make the Mets roster.

The Mets have essentially already declared the last spot in the bullpen will go to one of these three. None have minor league options. Kimbrel is the only player not currently on the 40-man roster. So far with many other decisions the Mets have already made, they’re taking the best possible players. How do you decide here?

If Kimbrel is willing to stay on his contract and maybe become a consideration due to injury or failure of one of the lefties, that’s the way to go. He hasn’t won a roster spot. Both sides can benefit from him throwing in Triple-A a little and maybe replacing an injured pitcher in a few weeks. The challenge for Kimbrel is he hasn’t shown he belongs on anyone else’s MLB roster either.

Dare we declare Lovelady as the best fit for what the Mets need? In the sixth inning with a lefty at the plate and one out, runner on first, he might just be. His split contract can make him passable through waivers more than the average arm.

Whoever accidentally wins this job will be on an immediate tight leash. Matt Turner pitched 5 scoreless this spring. Austin Warren did well and is coming off of a strong regular season in 2025 with the Mets in his brief sample. Someone has to win the job, but don’t spend too much time celebrating when you do.