Andrew Chafin
The New York Mets managed to survive without getting much help from their left handed relievers last season. That is going to have to change in 2023.
The problem is that the Mets do not have much in the bullpen at this point. MLB.com lists a total of four relievers on their depth chart with Tayler Saucedo as the only lefty. As Saucedo will turn 30 years old next year, has a 5.40 ERA and a 1.376 WHiP over his 28.1 major league innings, and is coming off of a hip injury that sidelined him for most of 2022, it is fair to wonder how much of a difference he will be able to make.
Chafin would not only add a dependable lefty to the Mets’ bullpen but he would also be a late inning weapon that they need. He posted a 2.83 ERA and a 1.169 WHiP over his 57.1 innings, striking out 67 batters with 19 walks. Opponents had a meager .222/.290/.329 batting line in their 243 plate appearances as he generated grounders 50% of the time the ball was put into play.
It is great that the Mets were able to bring Edwin Diaz back. And they are likely to spend the money needed to fortify the rotation, putting themselves in position to have a strong 2023 season. But they need to bridge the gap between the rotation and Diaz. Chafin would be one of the pieces they need to do precisely that while solving their left handed reliever problems.
Andrew Chafin is going to be a hot commodity in free agency. The New York Mets need to make sure he comes to Queens.