Late-March roster decisions are no longer about potential—they’re about immediate performance. With Opening Day just days away, the New York Mets are down to their final bullpen spot, and the current options haven’t inspired much confidence.
When the goal is to win games right now, there’s no time to rely on pitchers who haven’t delivered.
At the same time, a familiar name has become available after posting a solid season elsewhere.
This isn’t a blockbuster move or a long-term solution, but for this specific bullpen role, the choice is simple: get steady, reliable innings rather than gamble on what’s currently in camp.
Mets could turn to Joey Lucchesi as a stronger bullpen option
The Mets’ final bullpen spot has shifted from a competition to a straightforward decision.
With Craig Kimbrel out of the picture and A.J. Minter expected back in about a month, this is a short-term role that requires dependable innings now, not future potential.
Current camp options haven’t measured up. Bryan Hudson has struggled this spring, posting a 16.20 ERA over 3.1 innings while allowing five hits and three walks.
The team hoped for a usable left-handed option, but he hasn’t delivered. Richard Lovelady is another possibility, but he hasn’t inspired much more confidence.
Joey Lucchesi, a former Mets reliever, is now available after being released by the San Francisco Giants. Last season, he recorded a 3.76 ERA across 38.1 innings with a 3.97 FIP, allowing 35 hits and 12 walks while striking out 31.
He also held left-handed hitters to a .219 average and a .301 slugging percentage—exactly what this role requires.
For a bullpen spot that only needs to bridge the gap until Minter returns, the choice is clear. The Mets don’t need to gamble on uncertain options in camp when Lucchesi provides a more reliable solution right now.
