Billy Eppler had a strategic plan for the Mets bullpen in the offseason, focusing on adding three reliable arms while filling the remaining spots with quantity. This allowed for flexibility and ensured there would always be fresh arms available by utilizing relievers with minor-league options or low-risk free agents who could be shuttled between Triple-A Syracuse and the Mets. However, the results so far have not been ideal for Eppler.
While Jeff Brigham has been a solid addition to the bullpen, other relievers such as Stephen Nogosek, Jimmy Yacabonis, John Curtiss, and Dennis Santana have been inconsistent. Nogosek was recently designated for assignment and opted to become a free agent rather than accepting an assignment to Syracuse. With Drew Smith suspended for 10 games, the Mets are facing a void in their bullpen, and manager Buck Showalter highlights the importance of having relievers with options to help fill that void.
Players to watch for in the bullpen include Stephen Ridings, Sean Reid-Foley, and Sam Coonrod, who are all returning from injuries. Ridings, who showcased his talent during spring training, has been reinstated from his rehab assignment and optioned to Syracuse. Reid-Foley is nearing a rehab assignment after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year, and Coonrod is ramping up toward a return after being sidelined with a high-grade lat strain.
Although the Mets won’t be able to replace Smith on the roster, they can option Curtiss and Josh Walker to Syracuse, allowing them to bring in fresh arms as needed. However, pitchers must remain in the minors for 15 days unless there is an injury-related move. Despite these challenges, there is still hope for Eppler’s bullpen plan, and the Mets are banking on improved performances from their current relievers while also keeping an eye on the potential contributions of Ridings, Reid-Foley, and Coonrod.
In terms of hitting, Daniel Vogelbach’s season has taken a strange turn, with the DH receiving a mental break to work on his swing. While many organizations might have given up on Vogelbach, the Mets see his on-base percentage and ability to hit the ball hard as valuable assets. However, Vogelbach is facing his last opportunity to prove himself with the team. If the team wanted to create goodwill with the fans, they could have considered signing Daniel Murphy as a potential replacement for Vogelbach, but Murphy has already been signed by the Angels.
The Mets have options for a right-handed DH, but there isn’t an obvious left-handed bat if Vogelbach continues to struggle. This could mean using Francisco Alvarez as the DH more often than desired, with Omar Narvaez behind the plate.
As for the All-Star game, the Mets are lacking strong candidates due to injuries and underperformances. Pete Alonso is an All-Star when healthy, and Brandon Nimmo may have a chance if Alonso remains on the injured list. However, there are numerous other worthy NL outfielders ahead of Nimmo. Players like Francisco Lindor, Jeff McNeil, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Edwin Diaz were initially expected to be All-Star candidates for the Mets, but most of them have been disappointing or sidelined with injuries. However, David Robertson and Francisco Alvarez have shown promising performances and could be considered for All-Star selection.
Alonso’s injury has also dampened his chances of chasing 60 homers this season, but he could still aim for 50 if he returns before the All-Star break.
Despite these challenges, the Subway Series between the Mets and Yankees continues to generate excitement. The recent sellout crowds at Citi Field prove that the rivalry is still thriving. While the number of Subway Series games has been reduced, having four games each season seems to strike the right balance.
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