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3 Mets trade options for the bullpen to avoid at all costs

The Mets have better options than these three relievers expected to land on the trade block.
ByTim Boyle|
Jul 2, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech (34) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 2, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech (34) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports | Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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2) Hector Neris

The Mets helped break the Chicago Cubs by taking 2 out of 3 from them back in June. Already broken was closer Hector Neris whose reputation as a combustible reliever has held true this season. 

Neris has dropped his ERA back to 3.86 but his 23 walks versus 35 strikeouts through those first 32.2 innings is scary. He holds a 1.56 WHIP and hitters are batting .235 against him. Even when he calms down and isn’t giving up runs in abundance, Neris is far too prone to issuing walks.

The Mets did consider Neris in the offseason and because of this they might look to pry him away from the Cubs in a trade that might more closely resemble the deal for Phil Maton than what the White Sox would want for Kopech. Despite Kopech’s poorer numbers, they don’t need to save any cash with him. For Neris, to get out from the remainder of the $9 million owed plus the potential of a vesting option for next year could help out the Cubs financially. They’re not in a dire situation, but it would certainly be nice to reset their intentions in the closer spot.

Years of seeing Neris explode as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies will have most Mets fans agreeing he’s not a solution. 

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