Despite their struggles from 2019, the New York Mets bullpen is set to rebound. They have added new arms to go along with the talented relievers who are looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons. The potential is very high, but there is also a chance the bullpen falls right on their face.
Edwin Diaz recruited the help of @45PedroMartinez to get ready for the 2020 season:
"I'm really excited, 100% excited, I put a lot of work in on me" pic.twitter.com/2Vnp4afdv7
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 5, 2020
Edwin Diaz
Edwin Diaz was the price piece from the deal that sent Jared Kelenic to the Seattle Mariners and failed miserably. His home runs per nine skyrocketed, and he eventually lost his closer role. This should not be the norm for Diaz, who will have a bounce-back season. During spring training, he should regain the position as the Mets closer and live up to the hype he had in 2019.
Seth Lugo
Seth Lugo had an unbelievable 2019 season. He was reliable out of the bullpen, pitching to a 2.70 ERA with 104 strikeouts. Lugo’s ability to pitch multiple innings made him a valuable asset down the stretch of the season. He pleads to be a starter for the Mets, but they need his talents to remain in the bullpen.
Dellin Betances, 2018 Highlights.
80 seconds of absolute 🔥& 😱 pic.twitter.com/ach090KkVl
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) January 8, 2019
Dellin Betances
Dellin Betances is a major wild card in the Mets bullpen due to his health problems in 2019. He struck out the only two batters he faced before dealing with an Achilles injury. When healthy, Betances is a top-five reliever in baseball, striking out 100+ batters in five straight seasons before 2019. He is the big arm the Mets needed in the bullpen.
Jeurys Familia
Speaking of wild cars, there is no bigger one in the Mets bullpen than Jeurys Familia. Command issues and injuries hampered his 2019 season as he lost his eighth-inning role. Familia contributed his weight to his issues, and he came into spring training in much better shape. Not too long ago, he was a dominant closer, so having him as potentially the fourth-best reliever is a great sign.
Justin Wilson defining clutch. pic.twitter.com/KhAwzp5wzf
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 21, 2019
Justin Wilson
After battling injuries, Justin Wilson emerged as a dominant force out of the Mets bullpen. His ability to get hitters from both sides out made him a precious asset. Wilson went overlooked as a terrific signing by Brodie Van Wagenen.
Robert Gsellman
Robert Gsellman was not anything special out of the bullpen but was someone who was relied upon to eat innings. His hard sinker and curveball became weapons for him. Gsellman’s strikeout rate also increased, which showed his potential going into 2020. This will be a colossal leap year, which will allow him to emerge into a key role out of the Mets bullpen.
A #Mets fan growing up, Brad Brach is excited to stay with the orange and blue. pic.twitter.com/5ytV9kmKvB
— New York Mets (@Mets) December 9, 2019
Brad Brach
Brad Brach quietly arrived with the Mets a put together a solid cameo with them. He had a rough time in Chicago but is another reliever who has a track record of being one of the best in baseball. Brach will mostly be used in low leverage roles but is another guy the Mets can trust in crucial spots.
Michael Wacha
Michael Wacha may have signed with the Mets to start, but it is hard to see that happening. Thanks to the roster expansion to 26-players, Wacha can become a long man/spot starter. After spending his last few years in St. Louis struggling, the Mets hope to rekindle the success he once had.
