The state of the Mets bullpen

Mets have a core four

Luckily, the Mets are not starting their bullpen from scratch (though contractually, they will need to in 2023). New York already has four flamethrowers to call upon, starting with closer Edwin Diaz.

Luckily, the Mets are not starting a bullpen from scratch (though, contractually, they will need to in 2023). New York has four flamethrowers in closer Edwin Diaz and relievers Trevor May, Miguel Castro, and Seth Lugo. All who combined for 242 innings pitched and an earned run average of 3.50.

Certainly, the Mets would love it if these four would replicate their successful 2021 campaigns. It starts with Diaz, who has settled into the New York spotlight after a volatile 2019 season that will be remembered for his 15 home runs allowed and seven blown saves. Since then, Diaz has recorded 38 saves in 48 tries, only having given up five home runs.

But before a game can even get into Diaz’s hands, it is up to the other three to hold down the fort once the starters leave the game. May is coming off of a solid first year in the Big Apple, while Castro had one of the best seasons of his young career.

As for Lugo, it will simply be about staying healthy, after only pitching 46.1 innings in 2021. Lugo has proven in the past he can be a lights-out reliever, having posted a 2.68ERA from 2018-2019. A healthy Lugo is the wild card for the Mets bullpen, as he could be the piece missing to turn the Mets bullpen into a dominant unit.  

That is, assuming the Mets make the necessary additions still needed.