The New York Mets are highly likely to make a move for an impact player in their bullpen at some point this season, and one MLB insider predicts that player will be an All-Star closer from 2022.
The New York Mets will be a major player in the National League East again in 2023. After winning over 100 games last season, much of their roster will be back, and they switched in reigning American League Cy Young Justin Verlander for departed team great Jacob DeGrom.
However, there is one massive chasm the roster has when it comes to their closer spot. Earlier this month, All-Star Edwin Diaz tore a ligament in his leg in a freak accident during a moment of celebration at this year’s World Baseball Classic. He is now out for the season and the team is without an elite player at a key position just months removed from signing him to a record contract.
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Thus far, the team has made it clear they will not rush to fill the hole with the season set to start soon, and team owner Steve Cohen has stated publicly that the team will be patient and not make a reactionary move due to the lofty expectations on the expensive team this season. However, they are sure to make a trade before the deadline to land a major upgrade for the bullpen’s most important role.
New York Mets record (2022): 101-61, second place in NL East
On Tuesday, ESPN offered up a preview piece of the upcoming seasons and fielded opinions from various insiders and experts. When it came to the New York Mets, insider David Schoenfield delivered a bold prediction for the team later this season.
“With Diaz out, [David] Robertson leads the team in saves. But David Bednar will be the closer when the Mets reach the postseason after he comes over in a trade with the Pirates.”
– David Schienfield
Bednar earned All-Star honors for the first time in 2022 with an ERA of 2.61, 22 saves, and 69 strikeouts in just over 51 innings. He will be controllable for several more seasons after 2023, which means there will likely be a lot of competition for his services if he is available before the MLB trade deadline.