3 bullpen pieces New York Mets should pursue before trade deadline

The New York Mets will certainly be looking to add pieces to their roster ahead of the upcoming MLB trade deadline, and some of those upgrades could well come in the bullpen.

Here are 3 relief pitchers who could be targeted at the MLB trade deadline by the New York Mets

Andrew Chafin

2022 Stats: 2.64 ERA, 37 SO, 2.21 FIP, 1.076 WHIP (30.2 IP) 

Who doesn’t want a reliable lefty with an amazing mustache? Chafin has posted great numbers in the American League the past two seasons after a few rough years in the NL. The New York Mets need a good lefty and have the defensive metrics to enhance his numbers as his FIP has been lower than his ERA with the Tigers.

The Tigers would benefit from a player like J.D. Davis as Jeimer Candelario has been hitting .203 this season and would give Miguel Cabrera a few days off if needed.

Joe Mantiply

2022 Stats: 2.39 ERA, 38 SO, 2.54 FIP, 0.98 WHIP (37.2 IP) 

This season, Mantiply has been doing so well that he was chosen for his first All-Star Game. As stated before, the Mets are in need of some good lefty arms. They currently have Trevor May on the injured list and Joely Rodriguez has been unreliable as proven by his recent outing against the Padres (three runs and two hits without recording an out) and his 5.63 ERA for the season.

Brad Hand

2022 Stats: 2.12 ERA, 27 SO, 3.23 FIP, 1.18 WHIP (29.2 IP) 

This may be a long shot on a number of levels. Realistically, the chance of the Philadelphia Phillies trading in the division before the deadline is low. However, if they fall out of contention before the trade deadline, they may try to cut their losses and trade for a prospect or two. Hand did well on the Mets in 2021, posting a 2.70 ERA over 16 games. His stats this season plus his familiarity with the team make him a good option for the Mets to bulk up their bullpen.

Honorable Mention: Aaron Loup

Aaron Loup did a fantastic job on the Mets in 2021, posting elite numbers as the side-armed pitcher had a 0.95 ERA and a 0.935 WHIP with 57 strikeouts over 56.2 IP. His stats this season with the Angels seem to be a 180 from last year, currently with a 4.81 ERA and 1.396 WHIP over 33.2 IP. The silver lining with Loup, however, is his 3.84 FIP, showing that part of his struggles has been the fielding behind him.

Could going back to a place where he excelled help turn around the season? Do the Mets even want to take that risk with the Atlanta Braves so close behind them?