Why Mets’ Offseason Bullpen Additions Could Transform 2024

The Mets’ offseason didn’t make the kind of headlines fans might expect. Still, New York’s front office made a calculated bet on bounceback talent.

They focused on underlying performance metrics instead of just 2025 results. The Mets believe subtle upgrades—especially in the bullpen—could have a real impact in 2026.

Additions like Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver might matter more than they seem at first glance.

A Different Kind of Offseason Strategy

This winter, the Mets changed their approach. Instead of chasing big names, the club leaned into efficiency and versatility.

Popular players like Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz moved on. For fans used to bold moves, it felt a little underwhelming.

Replacing Production, Not Headlines

The front office wanted to replace what was lost through depth and flexibility. They’re also betting on positive regression.

Jorge Polanco’s signing is a good example. He’s not a middle-of-the-order slugger anymore, but Polanco gives the Mets options at first base and designated hitter.

That helps offset offensive losses without clogging the roster. The most ambitious changes, though, came in the bullpen.

The Bullpen Overhaul Comes from an Unlikely Place

Two relievers from the Yankees stood out: Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. On paper, neither had a great 2025.

But if you look closer, the analytics tell a different story.

Why Devin Williams Is a Prime Bounceback Candidate

Williams’ 4.79 ERA last season raised eyebrows. That came after his dominant run with Milwaukee from 2019–24.

Yet almost every advanced stat said he pitched much better than his results showed. His expected ERA was 3.09, with a 2.68 FIP and 3.01 DRA—all elite for a late-inning arm.

He still limited hard contact, allowing a 35.7% hard-hit rate (85th percentile). He kept missing bats with:

Bad luck played a huge role. When Williams left the mound, 70% of runners eventually scored—more than double the MLB average.

He finished the regular season with nine scoreless outings and added four more in the postseason. That’s a promising sign.

Luke Weaver’s Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Williams ran into bad luck, but Weaver was more of a roller coaster. Still, he wasn’t ineffective.

His early-season dominance in 2025 showed what he can do when he’s healthy and in rhythm.

Injury, Adjustments, and Underlying Excellence

Weaver started with a stunning 1.05 ERA over his first 25 appearances. Then a hamstring injury threw him off, and his performance dipped.

Even so, advanced stats painted him as an above-average reliever:

His changeup kept missing bats. Some believe mechanical tweaks—or maybe trying to hide pitch tipping—hurt him late in the season.

Those seem like fixable issues, making Weaver a strong rebound bet.

Why This Matters for the 2026 Mets

The Mets’ bullpen had a 3.93 ERA in 2025, which put them right in the middle of the league. That’s not a disaster, but it’s not what you want if you’re chasing a title.

If Williams and Weaver bounce back, New York suddenly has real upside and depth where they need it most.

A Path Back to Postseason Contention

Relief pitching covers for lost offense, shortens games, and keeps those razor-thin leads safe.

If even one of these arms bounces back—and honestly, the metrics point to both having a shot—the Mets’ low-key offseason might end up looking pretty clever.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mets’ bullpen additions could be among offseason’s most savvy moves