Mets Miss on Rosenthal, But Bullpen Still In Good Shape
Incumbent staff and additions early in the offseason helped solidify Mets' bullpen
As MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported this morning, free-agent relief pitcher Trevor Rosenthal has agreed to a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics for $11 million.
The Mets were reported to be in on Rosenthal, as the team was and still is looking to bulk up on bullpen arms heading into the season.
Missing out on Rosenthal doesn’t necessarily mean the Mets should stop looking for that last arm to really shore up the bullpen. They absolutely should. They’ve been linked to former Brewers closer Jeremy Jeffress this offseason, for whatever that’s worth.
With that being said, nobody should freak out if the Mets fail to sign someone for their bullpen before Opening Day.
Yes, the Seth Lugo injury is a big reason why they’re looking for another arm. His injury will likely cause him to miss the start of the season, and he is arguably the Mets’ most important piece late in games.
If the team didn’t do anything at all this offseason to help the bullpen, Mets fans would absolutely have a right to be upset. Having a great one is vital to a team’s success, specifically in the postseason.
But the Mets did in fact sign quality players to help a bullpen that hasn’t been great in a few years.
The additions of Trevor May and Aaron Loup will be huge for the Mets in 2021. Both have proven to be quality relief pitchers while not being in a closer role. They have a combined 13 saves between them, so there’s not a ton of experience there.
They've also added much-needed depth, which has been a theme of the offseason.
Bringing in guys like Jordan Yamamoto and Joey Lucchesi, both of which can eat innings if needed while also being effective, will be an underrated element for the 2021 Mets.
They also have younger, more unproven talent in guys like Franklin Kilome and Drew Smith. Smith is returning after Tommy John surgery kept him out for the 2019 season.
Obviously, the team’s success rides a lot on the success of closer Edwin Diaz. He had a great 2020, but a rough 2019 in a full season. When at his best, Diaz is one of the elite closers in baseball.
A bounce-back season from Jeurys Familia would also help tremendously, especially if he can rediscover his peak form from a half-decade ago.
And at some point in May, hopefully, Lugo should return from his injury.
So yes, the Mets missed on Rosenthal. He got an offer that he couldn’t refuse from the A’s, both monetarily and for his desire to close, which he wouldn’t have got in Queens.
But if the Mets go into the season with the bullpen as currently constructed, it will still be one of the better ones they’ve had in a while.
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