Can the New York Mets build the best bullpen in the MLB? They may be one move away from doing so.
Edwin Diaz currently leads a solid Mets relief unit
The Mets’ relief unit is currently anchored by superstar closer Edwin Diaz. On more than one occasion throughout his career, Diaz has been viewed as the best closer in the big leagues. New York will also begin the 2025 season starting two-time All-Star closer Clay Holmes. While he’s due for rotational time on the mound, the door is not fully shut on him returning to the bullpen next time out. Leadup artists for New York include seasoned veteran Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley, and Drew Smith.
Mets could snag All-Star Tanner Scott to beef up bullpen
That being said, All-Star free agent Tanner Scott is still out there for the taking. Scott was ridiculous in 2024. He ranked in the 90th percentile or better in an overwhelming amount of categories last season. His 97 mph fastball velocity (91st percentile) proved him to be a flamethrower in the Majors.
The 30-year-old’s ability to fan batters was exceptional. He boasted a 28.6 percent strikeout rate, while his 32.7 percent whiff rate (92nd percentile) and 31.9 percent chase percentage (84th percentile) showed his ability to take sluggers out of their comfort zones. Sluggers also could not generate powerful bombs off of his pitches, as exemplified by his 27.5 percent hard-hit percentage (99th percentile). Further, his 52 percent ground ball rate (88th percentile) would be a dream for the Mets’ stout infield to rack up double and triple plays off of to put teams away late.
- Mets reportedly had meeting with top left-handed free agent reliever
- Mets’ free agent slugger has ludicrous contract demands
- Mets playing Russian Roulette with $12.6 million pitching investment
Mets have the capacity to form an elite relief unit with Scott
From end to end, the Howard College product would make New York’s relief unit a scary ensemble to go against. Offseason projections have had Scott garnering a multi-year deal on the shorter side at anywhere between $50 to $80 million. The Mets are in the market to add top talent at a high average annual value without locking them down for the long term.
Thus, the Ohio native could cash out and compete for a World Series next time out. Judging from Diaz’s ninth-inning struggles in spurts last time out, Scott could also inherit the closing role. Not only so, but if Holmes were to slide back into the bullpen, that potential three-headed monster would be a dread to their opponents. That would be contingent upon Holmes flopping on the mound as a starter. Nevertheless, Mets owner Steve Cohen is not to be overlooked when it comes to any elite talent on the open market. Scott included.
