4 underrated Mets relievers since 2010

New York Mets v Atlanta Braves
New York Mets v Atlanta Braves / Scott Cunningham/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Mets
New York Mets v Atlanta Braves / Scott Cunningham/GettyImages

3. New York Mets Pitcher, LaTroy Hawkins

Of all the pitchers on this list, the one whose time with the Mets being a success was the most surprising was easily LaTroy Hawkins. That is not to say that he was not a good pitcher before arriving in New York, rather it is the fact that Hawkins was 40 years old when he wore a Mets uniform, and yet had one of the best seasons of his career.

Not only was Hawkins 40-years old when he signed with the Mets, but he was only signed to a minor league deal, so making the roster wasn't even a guarantee. However, after Parnell went down with an injury, Hawkins stepped into the closer role, and impressed when called upon.

According to Baseball-Reference, Hawkins went 3-2 in a Mets uniform, while tallying 70.2 innings pitched, 13 saves, and a 1.146 WHIP. Hawkins served as a bright spot for the Mets that year along with Matt Harvey, David Wright, and hosting the All-Star Game. Aside from that, Mets fans didn't have an awful lot to cheer for, as the team missed the playoffs and went 74-88.

Hawkins' success in a Mets uniform is very rarely talked about, but it should be as he was a highly effective member of their bullpen, despite being 40-years old. His successful year in New York also prolonged his career, as he was able to sign a contract with the Rockies to be their closer, and played two more seasons after leaving Flushing,