New York Mets: Brodie Van Wagenen’s options to fix the bullpen
By Alex Jordan
New York Mets General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen has fired hitting coach Pat Roessler. While more changes need to be made, the bullpen should be the main focus.
Brodie Van Wagenen made his first move as the New York Mets new GM on Monday by firing hitting coach Pat Roessler.
Roessler was caught off guard by the firing as he had no warning of it and is vacationing with his family in Iceland.
Roessler was under contract for next year and was the assistant hitting coach until Kevin Long left last offseason.
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The firing isn’t a surprise since the Mets struggled on offense this year. This year they had just 676 runs, which ranks 23rd in the majors, and had a .312 on-base percentage, which ranked 21st.
Those stats aren’t surprising since the Mets couldn’t give their pitchers much run support, especially when Jacob deGrom was pitching.
Assistant hitting coach Tom Slater will stay in his role and bullpen coach Ricky Bones will be reassigned within the organization, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
The Mets are expected to make more changes but Mickey Callaway will remain the manager but there’s speculation that Callaway is on a short leash after an up and down season, according to Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News.
However, the change that Van Wagenen should focus on is with the bullpen.
The Mets bullpen was one of the worst in the majors this year. Anthony Swarzak, who had a 6.15 ERA and a 1.595 WHIP, spent half the season on the disabled list. That forced the Mets bullpen to rely heavily on Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman.
At his introductory press conference, Van Wagenen spoke about needing to improve “up the middle.”
However, the Mets biggest need is in the bullpen and that’s where Van Wagenen should focus the most.
But, who could the Mets add to the bullpen?
Craig Kimbrel could be one option, but lets face it he’s not leaving the Red Sox since they just won the World Series.
Adam Ottavino, Zach Britton, and Andrew Miller are other options.
Out of those options, I think the Mets would go with Ottavino.
Ottavino is the more attractive option and would be the best option for the Mets.
However, Mickey Callaway knows Andrew Miller, so Miller could end up going to the Mets.
Whether or not the Mets make any more coaching changes, they need to focus on improving their bullpen.
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The Mets want to return to the playoffs next year, but that won’t happen if they don’t make the bullpen a priority in the offseason.