2 Mets who’ve exceeded expectations after 50 games, 2 who’ve fallen short

May 12, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher David Robertson
May 12, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher David Robertson / Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
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NY Mets reliever Jeff Brigham has exceeded expectations

It’s easy to surpass expectations when there really aren’t any. Did Mets fans plan for Jeff Brigham to be the fourth or fifth best reliever in the bullpen this year? With the exception of Brigham’s closest friends and family (only the closest ones) nobody saw this coming.

Brigham remains an asset to the Mets because he can be optioned to the minor leagues for another arm. Lately, he's crossing himself off the list to ever go back to Syracuse. Showalter is using him later in games. Brigham is making those decisions look smart.

Brigham has yet to be the pitcher of record in his 16 appearances which include 16.1 innings. His 2.76 ERA is second-best among all pitchers with 10+ innings. Only Robertson’s is better. The dividing line in the bullpen includes the guys we do and the guys we do not trust. Brigham is in the trust circle and he’s buckling himself into it.

Fellow relievers like Drew Smith and Brooks Raley are meeting expectations if not slightly surpassing. Brigham is different. He didn’t even make the Opening Day roster or seem to have any shot at it. His 0.73 WHIP might be the most impressive statistic of all. Of the 7 hits he has allowed, 3 have been home runs. Solve this and Brigham boosts himself up to a new level.