New York Mets’ Off-Season Over? Queens’ DH Weakness Persists Amidst Bullpen Additions

While the Internet is filled with weakness-to-strength transformations guides, the New York Mets offer a real-world case study. Last season, the Queens bullpen ranked 22 across the league. But what they’ve managed to do with it this offseason shows the difference in the Mets’ this year’s approach.

While the Orange and Blue team has remained low key this offseason, they have nevertheless spent money. However, unlike the previous regime, current president David Stearns prefers planned expenditure over accumulating stars. Perhaps that’s why doubts are slowly rising that the Mets might be done with their offseason business now. But wait! Weren’t their talks of DH as well?

The New York Mets have two new additions to their bullpen 

Pitching has been the undisputed focus of the Mets till now. Nearly all of their business has been done to get the necessary pitching depth on their roster. After adding starting pitchers, now the focus has shifted to improving the bullpen. The Athletic reports that in just a week, “the New York Mets solidified their bullpen with three additions — Adam Ottavino, Jake Diekman and Shintaro Fujinami — for around $12 million.” 

Fujinami had a tough first year with a 7.18 ERA but finished the season strong with a 2.92 ERA in 24 ⅔ innings. While they aren’t elite numbers, the really interesting part is the wicked 100mph+ fastball that Fujinami regularly churns out. The Mets have lacked that for a long time, so obviously, Fujinami’s entry provides them with some dynamism. But the real question is something else. 

Till now the Mets have signed – Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, Harrison Bader, and a host of minor league players. With the payroll already above $300 million and a 110% tax to be levied on every transaction, are the Mets done with their offseason? If they are, then it could be a tricky situation for the Kings of the Queens as their hitting remains weak. Apart from Pete Alonso, there’s much to be desired in their lineup, so naturally a DH signing was expected.

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So while speculations were rife that a DH could be pursued, is it financially feasible for even the richest club in baseball to keep exploding its payroll like this?

David Stearns’ impact on the Metsies – A bad sign for a DH signing?

If one knows how the Mets operated in the previous years, this offseason would make the team look completely unrecognizable. Gone is the team constantly trying to collect stars. Now the Mets have a methodical approach. The signing of Fujinami is a prime example of it. The Metsies of previous years would’ve gone for a superstar, but Stearns falls for suitability over glamor.

Stearns’ approach shows that the Mets want to save money now. That’s something that is sending mixed signals regarding a DH. The team’s payroll is already way above the comfortable levels. Adding a DH would only increase the pressure. So it’s a wait-and-watch situation right now. Certainly, the offseason isn’t over so it wouldn’t be right to write off the Mets just yet.

Read more: MLB Predictions: Pete Alonso’s Mets Future Hinging on Team’s Pursuit of Star Bat?