5 way too early Mets trade deadline predictions

2) NY Mets trade deadline prediction: A better lefty reliever for the bullpen

The Mets can add a left-handed starting pitcher at the trade deadline and use him in relief until they need his arm for innings at the start of the game. However, they would benefit themselves even better by getting a more proven left-handed reliever. I’m predicting they do.

The Mets didn’t show all that much urgency this winter to actually go out and add a southpaw of significance to the relief corps. Chasen Shreve was a minor league signing as was Alex Claudio—the only other guy with a serious chance at cracking the Opening Day roster.

Shortly before the season began, they swapped righty reliever Miguel Castro with the New York Yankees for Joely Rodriguez. This gave the team a combination of Shreve and Rodriguez to turn to in late innings as a left-handed option.

Neither has performed all that well. The Mets cannot ignore this hole on the roster any further.

Billy Eppler will be on the phone with every team with a lefty available to trade. Ignoring this would be a fatal mistake for them even if the eventual plan is to use David Peterson in this role later in 2022. He is no sure thing to succeed as a reliever. Bring on Andrew Chafin!