Mets First Half Report Card: Bullpen

The relievers, as a whole, were lights out for much of the first half, but became a recurring problem in June when the Mets went through their worst stretch of the season, losing 14 of 17.

The group ends the first half with a 20-18 record, 3.83 ERA (14th in MLB) and 1.30 WHIP (17th). They have struck out 369 in 371 innings pitched. Were they overworked? They are tied for seventh in MLB in innings pitched. Injuries to A.J. Minter, Danny Young and Dedniel Núñez have not helped.

However, it’s notable that the team with the most innings pitched (427) by relievers is the National League-leading Dodgers. The Tigers, who lead the American League in the standings, have thrown more relief innings than the Mets, too.

David Stearns is reportedly seeking reinforcements.

Edwin Díaz: A+

He is dominating again (13 strikeouts per nine innings), returning to the All-Star Game for the first time since 2022. After allowing five runs over two outings in April, he’s given up two earned runs in 32 1/3 innings since. (4-0, 1.66 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 55 K, 38 IP, 19 SV, one BSV, 1.5 WAR)

Reed Garrett: B-

He was a weapon in April and May, but things fell apart in June. He’s taken three losses since June 5 while giving up 10 earned runs over 11 innings. In the big picture, a solid first half. (2-4, 2.87 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 41 SO, 37.2 IP, three SV, five BSV, 0.7 WAR)

Huascar Brazobán: C

He was a weapon in April and May, but things fell apart in June. (Good old copy and paste.) His grade is a touch worse than Garrett’s because he wasn’t quite as good early and the meltdowns were worse when he went downhill. He leads Met relievers in innings pitched. (5-2, 3.99 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 47 K, 47.1 IP, 0.0 WAR)

Ryne Stanek: D

He was a weapon in May, but April and June were a struggle for the 33-year-old, whose WHIP hasn’t been this high since 2020. His walks per nine (5.1) and hits per nine (8.8) are both up from his career averages (4.5 and 7.2). (2-5, 4.55 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 36 K, 31.2 IP, -0.6 WAR)

José Buttó: B+

He threw 13 2/3 scoreless innings in June before being placed on the injured list with an undisclosed illness. He could be back soon after play resumes following the All-Star break. (2-1, 2.47 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 39 K, 43.2 IP, 0.9 WAR)

Max Kranick: B-

He returned to a major-league mound for the first time in three years on March 29. Like Griffin Canning, he was enjoying a solid comeback season before he was hurt. (3-2, 3.65 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 25 K, 37 IP, 0.3 WAR)

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