3 worst Mets problems to blame for a disastrous season

2. Lack of depth in Mets bullpen

After Edwin Diaz went down with a freak injury in the World Baseball Classic that ended his season, Mets GM Billy Eppler took a gamble and decided to go with the pieces he already and it really has not worked out for the Mets in 2023 and in big games in particular. Even though veteran reliever David Robertson has been a welcome surprise as the Mets new closer, this bullpen still lacks the depth other teams in the NL East have like the Braves and Phillies.

Relievers like Adam Ottavino and Drew Smith who were supposed to be huge pieces for this bullpen and have not been pitching well like they have in the past. Ottavino for example had a really good first year in New York last season pitching to an ERA of 2.86 as seen the opposite of that in 2023. He has an ERA of 3.86 so far in his 37.1 innings pitched and has given up five home runs. He has pitched well at some points in the season but has failed to do that on a consistent pace.

And in my view, I truly believe Drew Smith has been the most disappointing reliever. Smith had such a great season last year which got Mets fans excited that maybe he's finally developed, but his success has dipped this season. After having an ERA of 3.33 in 2022, it has jumped to 4.45 in 2023 in only 30.1 innings and has given up too many hits and his walks are up from a season ago. I had such high hopes for Smith this season and they are all gone now unless he turns things around. First-year Met Brooks Raley has been a welcoming surprise out of the Mets bullpen, but this bullpen depth issue has really derailed the Mets season.