The Mets' bullpen has been a mixed bag in the first half of the 2026 season, with some standout performers and others who have struggled to find their footing. While the unit has ranked fourth in the majors with a 3.35 ERA through the end of June, a recent rough patch against the Braves and Royals has knocked it down to 15th with a 4.01 ERA. In this article, I'll take a deep dive into the Mets' bullpen, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each reliever and offering my own insights and opinions on the team's performance.
One thing that immediately stands out is the impact of Edwin Díaz's departure. Díaz was a key cog in the Mets' bullpen, and his loss has been felt. However, the team has managed to weather the storm, with several relievers stepping up to fill the void. Personally, I think the Mets' bullpen has been one of the team's bright spots this season, despite the recent slump. It's a testament to the depth and talent of the organization.
One standout performer has been Luke Weaver, who has been dominant since the start of June. Weaver has allowed just five base runners and struck out 19 batters over 14 1/3 innings, registering a plus-8 run value on his fastball and a plus-5 mark on his change-up. In my opinion, Weaver is a key piece of the Mets' bullpen, and his value is at its peak right now. However, the team faces a tough decision: do they trade Weaver this summer? The 32-year-old is under contract for 2027, but in today's game, relievers tend to net hefty returns on the trade market.
Another standout performer has been Brooks Raley, who has remained a steady presence in the back end of the Mets' bullpen. Raley has excelled at limiting hard contact, holding opponents to a weak 32.3% hard-hit rate and allowing just two home runs in 35 1/3 innings. In my view, Raley is a valuable asset to the Mets, and his performance has been a bright spot in an otherwise lost season. However, with the trade deadline looming, it's almost certain Raley will be on a different team in the coming weeks.
On the other hand, some relievers have struggled to find their footing. Devin Williams, for example, has been the unit's biggest addition in the offseason, but he's been the most inconsistent arm in the bullpen. Williams had a disastrous month of April, and his ERA ballooned as high as 10.29. While he's allowed just one earned run in June, he's stumbled in July, blowing two of his last three save opportunities. In my opinion, Williams' inconsistent performance has been a disappointment, and his walk rate of 12.8% hasn't helped matters.
Similarly, Tobias Myers has had a rough go of it this season. For the first five weeks, Myers was one of the most reliable arms on the team, but since then, his season has been a disaster. Myers has allowed 27 earned runs, 36 hits, and seven homers over 24 innings, and his grounder rate has plummeted to a career-worst 31.6%. In my view, Myers' struggles have been a major setback for the Mets, and his days with the team may be numbered.
Despite these struggles, the Mets' bullpen has been a source of strength for the team. The unit has been led by a mix of experienced veterans and young talent, and their performance has been a bright spot in an otherwise lost season. In my opinion, the Mets' bullpen has been a testament to the organization's depth and talent, and their performance has been a source of hope for the team's future.
In conclusion, the Mets' bullpen has been a mixed bag in the first half of the 2026 season, with some standout performers and others who have struggled to find their footing. However, despite the recent slump, the unit has been a source of strength for the team, and their performance has been a bright spot in an otherwise lost season. As the trade deadline approaches, the Mets will need to make tough decisions about their bullpen, but for now, they can take pride in the depth and talent of their relievers.
