2 ways the Mets bullpen has gotten better this offseason, 1 way it got worse

The NY Mets bullpen got worse by relying on that depth for several roster spots

As much as we can praise the team for adding a lot of depth, they are suddenly relying on at least two of those arms to be consistent. Not all of the players in their crop of relievers are going to begin the year in Syracuse. Two or maybe even three are going to join the club on Opening Day.

The Mets are putting a lot of faith in finding a gem from their pack of Four-A pitchers. They’re planning for Elieser Hernandez or Jeff Bringham to be better than they’ve been in the past. The club will need Rule 5 Draft pick Zach Greene to become “the one who got away” in the eyes of New York Yankees fans this year.

Barring another addition, the season will begin with a bullpen that looks like a piece is missing. Edwin Diaz, Adam Ottavino, David Robertson, Brooks Raley, and Drew Smith are the five we’d bet give Buck Showalter quality innings. The other three spots are kind of open. It will make for a good spring battle, however, it does feel like the team could get caught scrambling to find who should stick around longer.

If all goes well for the Mets, having five very good relievers should be enough. Compared to last season’s planned bullpen, it does feel weaker at the moment.

Diaz, Ottavino, and Smith are returning. Raley is an upgrade over Joely Rodriguez. We can say Robertson has replaced Trevor May or Seth Lugo. The Trevor Williams spot in the bullpen and on the roster itself will have to be filled by a combination of Elieser Hernandez, Joey Lucchesi, and the Megill/Peterson tandem expected to bounce between the majors and minors.

This year’s bullpen is capable of outperforming last season’s crew. It’s just as likely the club is searching for a midseason addition or two well before the trade deadline even arrives.