The New York Mets are poised for a big second half if they can fit all the right pieces together.
Following a loss on Friday night, the Mets sit at 55-43, which only puts them half a game out of first place in the National League East. To leapfrog the Philadelphia Phillies after the All-Star break, they may have to get aggressive at the trade deadline.
The Phillies and Mets both need serious bullpen help at the deadline; perhaps Philadelphia most of all. There are always quality relievers available, but it’s uncertain how many true game-changers will be on the market.
If the Mets could beat the Phillies to the punch on some of the best relievers available, it could make all the difference.
Meanwhile, Andrew Tredinnick of NorthJersey.com predicted recently that the Mets would land two relievers: Pittsburgh Pirates two-time All-Star David Bednar and Los Angeles Angels converted starter Reid Detmers.
“There have been hiccups from Reed Garrett, Huascar Brazoban and Ryne Stanek that indicate they could use some reinforcements to tamp down their workload,” Tredinnick wrote. “The return of Brooks Raley should help to fill a need, as should Jose Butto’s arrival back from an illness, but the Mets bullpen could stand to add some firepower.
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“At the deadline, as David Stearns did one season ago, he adds a lefty and a righty in Reid Detmers and David Bednar to fill the cupboard.”
Bednar has a 2.53 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 32 innings this season. He’s not a free agent until after 2026. Detmers wouldn’t hit free agency until after the 2028 season; he’s got a 4.06 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings.
If the Emmanuel Clases and Jhoan Durans of the world don’t get traded, Bednar and Detmers could fall among the top names to move at the deadline (Bednar is probably more likely than Detmers to be on the move).
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