Strengthening the Mets Bullpen: Trade Deadline Strategies for Success

The New York Mets are off to a strong start in 2023. They’ve locked down the best record in the National League (42-24).

The bullpen’s been stellar, ranking second in MLB with a 2.91 ERA. But there’s a problem creeping in—a lack of a dependable left-handed reliever for late-inning, high-leverage situations.

With October in their sights, the Mets are actively looking for ways to shore up the bullpen before the trade deadline. Let’s dig into the current state of the Mets’ bullpen and their left-handed reliever dilemma.

The Mets’ Bullpen: A Strength with a Glaring Weakness

Even with all their success, the Mets are missing something crucial: a reliable late-inning left-handed reliever. After A.J. Minter’s season-ending lat injury, the team’s been scrambling to fill the gap.

That absence showed up big time during a recent series against the Dodgers. Without a lefty for high-leverage moments, things got dicey—maybe a sign of trouble to come in October?

Why a Left-Handed Reliever is Crucial

The Mets’ right-handed relievers have stepped up against left-handed hitters, holding a 3.18 ERA in high-pressure spots since May. Still, is that really a plan you’d trust in the long run?

Postseason teams usually have deep, balanced lineups. Matchup flexibility suddenly matters a lot more. If the Mets don’t add a dependable lefty, they could find themselves outgunned in tight playoff games.

Examining the Current Options

To offset Minter’s absence, the Mets have been searching inside and outside the organization for bullpen help. They just traded for José Castillo from the Diamondbacks.

Castillo’s been great so far—seven scoreless innings, a simpler approach, and he looks confident. But let’s be honest, they still need more.

The Free Agent and Trade Market

The MLB trade market for left-handed relievers isn’t exactly overflowing with options right now. Maybe the deadline brings new opportunities if more teams decide to sell.

Brooks Raley, signed after Minter’s injury, could return in the season’s second half as he works back from Tommy John surgery. But honestly, who knows how that’ll turn out?

Internal Reinforcements

The Mets are keeping an eye on a few promising minor leaguers for bullpen roles. These internal options might help in the short term, but putting too much on untested arms is risky.

Managerial decisions have already pushed key relievers like Brazobán, Stanek, and Garrett to their limits. The need for reinforcements is starting to feel urgent before the bullpen gets stretched too thin.

Planning for October: What’s Next?

The Mets’ front office seems to get it—the clock’s ticking. If they want to hang with teams like the Dodgers and Braves, they’ve got to use the July 31 trade deadline to add at least one above-average reliever.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room

To find real bullpen depth, the Mets will have to get creative in a thin trade market. One move won’t fix everything, but adding a proven lefty arm would boost their odds a lot.

October games come down to tiny margins. Heading into the postseason with an incomplete bullpen just isn’t an option the Mets can afford.

Conclusion

The Mets have put together a pretty remarkable season so far. Now, they’re looking at a real shot at a deep playoff run.

But let’s be honest—if they want to win it all, they’ve got to figure out their bullpen. A.J. Minter’s injury left a big hole, especially when it comes to left-handed relief.

The team still hasn’t really filled that gap. Maybe they’ll swing a trade, maybe someone steps up from the minors, or perhaps Raley gets back in action soon.

But the trade deadline’s creeping up. Can they patch things up in time? Mets fans are probably biting their nails, waiting to see if this bullpen can hold up when it matters most.

 
Here is the source article for this story: The Mets’ bullpen is good. Here’s why they should still add at the trade deadline