I'm pinch-hitting for Tim Dierkes on this week's MLB Mailbag while he has some other commitments. In this week's installment, we'll get into the Mets' bullpen, the Reds' defense and lineup, Paul Skenes' looming arbitration eligibility, the Braves' rotation and Jurickson Profar (among various other tangents and side topics).
Sandy asks:
The Mets lineup seems solid and deep and their rotation is possibly top 5. That leaves the pen and defense. The D is probably average, maybe slightly below but serviceable. What is your take on their pen? Thanks!
The Mets' bullpen is close to set at this point. They have six starters entering the season (Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga), which leaves them seven bullpen spots. None of Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, Luis García or Bryan Hudson can be optioned. The Mets have already indicated that righty Huascar Brazobán will have a spot as long as he's healthy, and they similar indicated Tobias Myers would be in the group several weeks ago (before Myers posted a 1.86 ERA and 12-to-4 K/BB ratio in his first 9 2/3 spring frames).
The one spot that's up for grabs seems to be that of Hudson. The journeyman lefty was outstanding for the Brewers in 2024 but struggled in the majors both in 2023 and 2025. The Mets picked him up from the White Sox for cash last month. He's pitched 2 1/3 spring innings and allowed three runs on four hits (one homer) and a walk. It's not an especially compelling showing, particularly when factoring in last year's 4.80 ERA in the majors and 5.97 mark in Triple-A.
Beyond Hudson, candidates for that final spot who are still in major league camp include Richard Lovelady (who's on the 40-man roster), Craig Kimbrel (a non-roster invitee) and perhaps Austin Warren (also on the 40-man). There hasn't been much talk of Warren making the club among the Mets' beat, and he has an option remaining, so he's a long shot. Kimbrel has allowed two runs in five spring innings but also has five walks, two hit batters and only two strikeouts. The Mets seem to habitually acquire Lovelady and jettison him just as frequently; their recent waiver claim of the southpaw was the fifth time they've acquired him in the past calendar year. They clearly like him, but not enough to just give him a dedicated roster spot.
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Hey look, it’s Steve.
Didier Fuentes should be in the rotation
I am thinking the same thing. I wanted Ritchie, but Fuentes just seems to be making almost impossible for him to not be in the rotation.
Let Elder go and go with Fuentes!
There is one minor logical fallacy to retaining pitching depth in the minors (re: JR Ritchie)—they’re still subject to the same injury pressures, more or less. Perhaps there is slightly less risk in Triple-A. Slightly…
When two pitchers are of similar quality, it makes sense to manage the depth with an eye toward maximizing control. But, if the evaluation on Ritchie is really a run-and-a-half better than Elder or Suarez, then you’re liable to be kicking yourself for choosing the former.
Building depth is massively underrated. But depth for its own sake isn’t the end goal. The Braves, unfortunately, have painted themselves into a corner with their (non)choices. Playing carefully and deliberately like the Dodgers might not be a viable option for them. From my viewpoint, they must be bold or else face witheringly long odds.
There our countless opportunities to acquire low-upside castaways. Most of them aren’t remarkably worse than Elder.
Top 5 rotation?
What r u smoking sandy
Kimbrel stinks now and I’ll be big mad if he makes the team due to reputation. Run Hudson or Lovelady until Minter is ready.