Reese Kaplan -- What If The Pen Isn't Providing Relief?

For the past many years the New York Mets have suffered with unreliable performance out of their bullpen from many of their regular relievers.  There have been a few pleasant exceptions like Seth Lugo and the 2020 version of Edwin Diaz, but it almost seems as if whomever they choose to save the games either physically or mentally don’t seem to get it done when called upon to retire the side.  

Going into 2021 it was written many times how the Mets had improved the long-forlorn relief corps through the additions of Trevor May, Jacob Barnes and Aaron Loup. Then there were a few retreads in Miguel Castro and the surprising inclusion of Robert Gsellman. The veterans Jeurys Familia and Dellin Betances were scheduled to throttle down the late innings before handing the ball over to closer Diaz.  Whomever turned out to be the worst of this bunch would hit the road once Seth Lugo returned from his stint on the IL.

Of course, the best laid plans don’t always unfurl as hoped.  Dellin Betances has already hit the IL again with shoulder impingement issues.  Considering his velocity was up a bit in spring training, it’s possible it’s simply a matter of overuse and not a long term issue. 

The Mets summoned Trevor Hildenberger to the big club to take his place for at least the next ten days.  The former Minnesota Twin hurler started off well as a rookie in 2017 but it’s been downhill ever since.  As a sidearmer he’s in that all-or-nothing category depending on how he controls the pitch.  When it’s working it can be highly effective, but when it’s not then you understand why at age 30 he’s still not a regular in the major leagues.

While Hildenberger and Barnes would seem most vulnerable when Lugo or Betances are deemed healthy enough to return, remember that Robert Gsellman still has a minor league option available. 

Gsellman looked good in his rookie year back in 2016 when in an 8-game trial he finished 4-2 with a 2.42 ERA primarily as a starter.  Unfortunately he was not able to repeat this success, finishing consecutive years with ERAs of 5.19, 4.28, 4.66 and a horrific 9.64 in 2020.  His control was borderline acceptable until last year but he’s always been hittable.  He could be on a short leash since farming him out doesn’t require major roster manipulations.

The question then becomes who is the next on the chopping block when the second of the ailing relievers returns?  Some might volunteer that Betances is also on an extremely short leash, though previous Mets ownership wouldn’t cut a $6 million pitcher and still be obligated to pay him. 

Steve Cohen is not a Wilpon, so we do not know how he feels about cutting his losses.  It would be relatively easy to wave bye-bye to Barnes or Castro, but at this point they may feel more confident in one of them than in Betances.  To be fair, they’ve not yet seen a fully healthy Betances who was not quite but almost Jed Lowrie in durability.  

Of course, it’s also going to be interesting to watch the minor league numbers to see if anyone is dominating out of the pen.  There are some familiar names and faces down there, including Daniel Zamora, Franklyn Kilome, Thomas Szapucki and the currently injured Drew Smith.  Then there is newcomer Sam McWilliams who signed a major league deal but was sent down at the end of spring training. 

In addition, there are some less familiar names like Yennsy Diaz, Sean Reid-Foley, Stephen Tarpley and late cut Jordan Yamamoto.  While none jump out on a fast track to the majors, it’s possible you will see one or more if there is a recurrence of the bullpen problems seen during week number one.  

If Lugo returns to his usual dependable self (out of the pen), if Betances can rediscover what he used to do for the Yankees, and if Diaz continues his fine run since 2020, then you could live with a mix of any of the above pitchers to relieve the starters.  However, that’s a lot of ifs and Mets fans are used to holding their breath ever since Mel Rojas patrolled the pen.