Mets Monday Morning GM: 3 offseason additions working out far better than expected

3) The NY Mets trade for Brooks Raley has worked out incredibly well

The Mets were more low-key with their trades this offseason. Who wants to help out Steve Cohen anyway? Their strength is with the almighty dollar. It’s why free agency is how the 2023 roster was built with a few exceptions.

One is the addition of Brooks Raley. Acquired via trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, the lefty reliever has gained the trust of fans. Only closer David Robertson might have more of it right now.

Raley’s time with the Mets didn’t start off so great. He got the snot beat out of him in an early game against the Milwaukee Brewers as did the rest of the ball club. He has been fantastic ever since with only the occasional mishap.

In 31.1 innings of work, Raley is 1-1 with a 2.30 ERA. He hasn’t been a traditional lefty reliever with left-handed hitters batting .267 against him in the first half of the season. This is probably for the better anyway. The Mets could use as many high-leverage innings from him against batters from both sides of the plate. The LOOGY is a relic.

Raley has helped save the Mets from what has been a disappointing year from Adam Ottavino. More of a seventh inning pitcher than the final bridge to Robertson in the ninth, he has met the highest expectations anyone could’ve set for him in the preseason.