The New York Mets have been leaning on their starting pitchers for longer outings, particularly highlighted during their recent series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a depleted bullpen, manager Carlos Mendoza had to utilize what little he had left, leading to extra-inning matches. Max Kranick was sent down to Triple-A Syracuse for a fresh arm, but the Mets still struggled to maintain a consistent pitching strategy.

Starters have averaged about 5 2/3 innings per game, which, while decent, has not been enough given the demands on the bullpen. Tylor Megill's six innings against the Dodgers were commendable, providing some much-needed relief. Mendoza's strategy often involves pulling pitchers early when hard contact is perceived, contributing to a taxing workload on the relief corps.

The New York Mets are grappling with a significant challenge as they attempt to maintain the success of a previously dominant bullpen. With two left-handers sidelined for the season, the reliance on right-handers Dedniel Núñez and José Butto becomes critical. Butto has shown potential with a 3.27 ERA over 22 innings yet struggles with consistency, particularly in getting ahead of hitters early in counts. Manager Carlos Mendoza has noted that Butto's early count struggles lead to him throwing more fastballs in the zone, resulting in hard contact.

In contrast, Núñez, who was a promising rookie last season, has returned from injury but is facing difficulties throwing strikes and has had disappointing outings. Mendoza expressed hope for Núñez's return to high-leverage situations, stressing that while he has good stuff, he needs to regain confidence with his command. As the season progresses, both pitchers must find a way to adapt and elevate their performances to alleviate the pressure on the bullpen.

The New York Mets' bullpen has had a stellar month but is beginning to show vulnerability, as evidenced by a recent game against the Washington Nationals. After building a commanding 7-1 lead, the Mets witnessed their bullpen falter, allowing a late-game comeback that culminated in an 8-7 loss. Jose Butto struggled to contain inherited runners, leading to three runs being scored off him alone.

Ryne Stanek, who has been a reliable asset, registered his second blown save in the same series. The Mets' relief pitching has now blown two saves in three games, raising concerns as they navigate a season marked by a lack of depth from their starting rotation. Despite a strong performance from starter Tylor Megill, who limited the Nationals to three runs, their overall innings pitched ranks low in the league, hinting that the bullpen's struggles may be linked to overuse.

Jose Butto's transition to a reliever role with the Mets for the 2025 season has him feeling relieved. Recognized for his effective pitching, Butto recorded a 2.00 ERA and three saves in 36 innings last season. Understanding the nuances of relief pitching, he sought guidance from veterans and coaches, learning to adjust his approach, especially with runners on base. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that while Butto was eager to contribute during a playoff push, the mental strain of relief pitching was significant. As he heads into spring training, Butto aims to refine his routine, focusing on pitch efficiency and game awareness.

The New York Mets have signed left-handed reliever A.J. Minter to a two-year deal worth $22 million, with an opt-out clause after the first year. Minter, 31, previously pitched for the Atlanta Braves and has a career 3.28 ERA. He had a significant hip surgery that sidelined him for the latter part of the last season, raising concerns about his performance. Minter joins a Mets bullpen that includes closer Edwin Díaz and others, as the team continues to bolster its roster. This marks the second signing in two days, following the acquisition of outfielder Jesse Winker.