The New York Mets lost to the Atlanta Braves 7–4 on June 24. A Mets debutant skillfully put together five scoreless innings. But after that? The relief corps also struggled, despite looking promising when he joined the team. With that, the Mets marked their 10th loss in their last 11 games. They now have a record of 46-34.
The bullpen gave up, not the attack or the starter. Frankie Montas had a good start, but the bullpen pitchers couldn’t hold on to the lead. And in the sixth inning, letting a 3–0 lead slip away. One starter had a rough start, walking three batters in a row and letting that sac fly in that cut the lead to 3–1. And the man with the blueprint, Carlos Mendoza, didn’t shy away from addressing the issue.
The arm in the talk is Huascar Brazoban. In the post-game presentation, when asked about Brazoban’s performance, he said, “he couldn’t finish them, missing gloves, the change up few times, ball out of the hand, like I said. So he has been really really good for us and during this stretch, you know he’s (had) a couple of bad outings there and today was one of them.”
credits: metsmerized online/ Photo by Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
From May 17 to 30, Huascar Brazoban pitched 8.2 innings for the Mets with a 2.08 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings, demonstrating exceptional control and run prevention. The consistency didn’t last until June. His performance from June 2 to 24 has not lived up to expectations. He pitched only 8.1 innings with a 9.72 ERA, 2.04 WHIP, and seven walks. These issues he had make good outings difficult.
The Mets might have been struggling, but Mendoza is also positive about it. He said, “We have all the confidence in these guys.” But, they need to fix the problem soon if they want to regain their top position in the division.
However, with the trade deadline coming up, can they look for new options? This MLB insider has come up with a suggestion.
Bullpen fix incoming? Mets’ trade talks heat up with Rockies
The New York Mets are still one of the top teams in baseball, but the NL East is becoming a tough scrap with the Phillies and Braves close behind. The Mets’ bullpen has been a weak spot as they try to win games. Upgrades are needed to stay in the mix.
May 18, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts as he leaves the mound after giving up four runs against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently provided insight into the possible trade. The Mets might send outfielder Drew Gilbert and utilityman Chris Suero to the Colorado Rockies. In exchange, Colorado is signing relievers Jake Bird and Seth Halvorsen, two of Colorado’s most reliable late-inning pitchers this season, who are signed through 2028 and 2030, respectively.
Bird has a 2.06 ERA and 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings in 33 games, and Bowden sees Halvorsen as a possible future closer. This suggestion is really necessary. “[To] prevail in the NL East, the Mets need to improve their bullpen depth at the deadline.” He said that in this transaction, they would get the Rockies’ two best high-leverage relievers.
It would hurt the farm system to trade two top prospects for premium arms, but the rewards may be huge. Adding Bird and Halvorsen to the pen would make the late game more stable and deliver consistency when it matters most. In a close race for the division, this kind of move may make the difference.
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