7 Possible Prospects for the Mets Bullpen
Up until recently, the New York Mets roster revision plans seem to focus on every group except the bullpen. But, after losing their best reliever and the possible exit of another solid reliever, this group has become an area of concern. Suddenly, the need to sign at least two relievers before spring training is of utmost concern.
In November 2021, the Los Angeles Angels signed Mets top reliever Aaron Loup to a two-year, $17 million deal. Also, journeyman closer Jeurys Familia is a free agent with a high likelihood of leaving. The remaining bullpen staffers are Seth Lugo, Miguel Castro, Edwin Diaz, Trevor Williams, Drew Smith, and Trevor May. General manager Billy Eppler will most likely start the hunt for replacements through free agency or the trade wire.
At this stage, it may be too soon to completely dismiss the possibility of Familia returning to the Mets bullpen. After following a solid first half of the 2021 season with a disappointing second half, the Mets allowed Familia to slip into free agency without any signs of interest. The implication was clear that they would not offer the 32-year-old reliever a two-year contract like the one he will seek in the open market.
However, there is a slight possibility that he would sign a one-year contract with the Mets because of his long history with the team and his strong roots in Northern New Jersey. Except for his two-year stint with Oakland, Familia has played his 10-year career with the Mets. If the price is right, these factors may influence the reliever with a career 3.28 ERA to sign a one-year contract with the Mets. Otherwise, the Mets will look at the following relievers available around the league.
Ryan Tepera
After posting an outstanding 2021 season with the Chicago Cubs and White Sox, 34-year-old Tepera is high on the free-agent reliever charts. The veteran right-hander appeared in 65 games and produced a 2.79 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. Plus, he had 74 strikeouts, 19 walks, and gave up only four home runs.
Andrew Chafin
With Loup’s departure, the Mets lost a vital impact player with a 6–0 win-loss record and a .95 ERA last season. However, southpaw Andrew Chafin also had a respectable 2021 season with a 1.83 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP in 71 games. The 31-year-old reliever split his playing time between the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics. In 68.2 innings, he allowed only 19 walks and four home runs.
Collin McHugh
This 34-year-old veteran reliever may be a sensible option because McHugh played for the Mets in 2012. Since leaving New York, he has amassed a sturdy career with the Houston Astros and briefly with the Tampa Bay Rays. Coming off of a one-year deal with Tampa Bay, he logged a 6–1 win-loss record with a 1.55 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP in 2021 while allowing only three home runs.
Kenley Jansen
Since Kenley Jansen has closed for the Dodgers for over a decade, it’s doubtful that the 34-year-old reliever will leave Los Angeles. But, if the Mets seized an opportunity to get him, they could place soon-to-be free agent Edwin Diaz in an eighth-inning spot. This move could prepare them for Diaz’s possible exit after the 2022 season. In any event, the Mets would benefit by adding a potent closer with a career 2.37 ERA and a total win-loss record of 37–26.
Taylor Rodgers
According to local news reports, the Mets have shown interest in Minnesota Twins’ left-handed reliever Taylor Rodger. As such, the Mets could secure a trade deal with struggling Minnesota for the 31-year-old reliever with a career 50-for-68 record in save opportunities. Rogers would be a welcomed addition to a solid group of closers. In 2021 Rodgers finished with a 3.35 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and nine saves throughout 40.1 innings. Plus, he surrendered only eight walks and four home runs.
Tony Watson
Although Watson is not a sensational prospect, he is a reliable reliever who would add depth to the Mets bullpen. In addition, the left-hander’s salary would not severely impact the Mets’ luxury tax. Watson is a few years older than the other prospects, but he doesn’t show any signs of wear and tear. In 2021 he logged a 3.92 ERA and a 1.012 WHIP as a Los Angeles Angel and a San Francisco Giant.
Richard Rodriguez
In 2021 Rodriguez posted 2.82 ERA and 0.835 WHIP for the Pittsburgh Pirates before a trade sent him to the soon-to-be World Series Champions Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, his performance took a downward spiral ending with him giving up five home runs in his final 12 innings and losing a spot on the postseason roster. So, his status with the Braves is tentative at best. Nevertheless, Rodriguez has proven he can be a steady force in the bullpen, and he has a long-time connection with the Mets’ new manager Buck Showalter.
Due to the current situation of the Mets’ bullpen, the chances are good that one or more of these relievers will end up in a Mets uniform after the lockout. The evident outcome will depend on whether Jeurys Familia stays.
