The Bullpen
Jeurys Familia, Addison Reed, Jerry Blevins, Fernando Salas, Josh Smoker, Hansel Robles, Erik Goeddel, Robert Gsellman
Do I really need to explain why Familia, Reed, and Blevins will be on the roster?
For the entire season, Reed and Familia have been arguably the most dominant one-two punch in the National League.
Blevins has not only been a great lefty specialist but a tremendous all-around reliever. In 40.1 innings (69 appearances), Blevins has struck out 52 batters and has a 2.90 ERA (1.80 against lefties) and a 1.24 WHIP.
Smoker got a spot in this bullpen so that the Mets don’t have to use Blevins too early and have an all right-handed pen. Smoker has pitched extremely well of late, not giving up a run in his last nine appearances (5.1 innings).
SEE ALSO: New York Mets 2017 Schedule Released
The next spot goes to the newest Met, Fernando Salas. Salas was shaky while with the Angels but has pitched to 2.61 ERA in ten games since coming over to Flushing. Salas also has some playoff experience, recording a 3.54 ERA over 20.1 innings.
Hansel Robles and Erik Goeddel round out Terry Collins’ October ‘pen. Both guys can fall into awful cold streaks but, when they are on, they can be dominant relievers.
For the Wild Card game, Terry can make a couple of his starters inactive and add an extra reliever. The Mets can update their roster in between that game and the division series, so it makes no sense to carry guys they won’t need unless they move on.
If Terry wants another lefty specialist he could potentially look for Josh Edgin or Sean Gilmartin. If he goes with an extra righty, Jim Henderson and Logan Verrett are his best options.
