Without A.J. Minter, Danny Young stands as the last lefty in the Mets' bullpen, showcasing resilience and capability since joining the team last season. The 30-year-old has proved his mettle, especially during last fall's postseason, by delivering crucial innings against tough hitters. Young has adopted a hard sinker and a sweeper, yielding remarkable results, with opponents yet to register a hit off the latter, leading to multiple strikeouts this season.

Manager Carlos Mendoza lauds Young's aggressive approach in the strike zone, emphasizing the left-on-left matchups he can effectively handle. The absence of Minter, confirmed to have a lat injury, ensures Young will have continued opportunities as the Mets lack a left-handed option in Triple-A. In save situations, Ryne Stanek has stepped in for closer Edwin Diaz, facing challenges, yet the Mets remain focused on managing Diaz's innings following a heavy workload earlier in the week.

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.

Juan Soto continues to be a reliable force for the New York Mets, contributing significantly with a third-inning RBI double that helped secure a 2-0 victory over the Miami Marlins. His two-hit game extended his on-base streak to ten games, the longest start of any season in his career. Kodai Senga displayed impressive command, shutting out the Marlins through five innings, while the bullpen maintained the lead. The Mets, now on a five-game winning streak, took advantage of the absence of Marlins' ace Sandy Alcantara, who was put on the paternity list.

The Marlins struggled against starter Senga and his supporting bullpen, which has been pivotal to the Mets' success so far this season. New York's pitching depth has been tested early on, leading to closer Ryne Stanek stepping in for Edwin Diaz to seal the game with a clean ninth-inning performance. The win keeps the Mets at the top of their division, showcasing Soto's growing importance in their lineup and the team's resilient pitching.

The New York Mets have successfully retained crucial free agents from last season's playoff run, including star players like starting pitcher Sean Manaea, reliever Ryne Stanek, and designated hitter/outfielder Jesse Winker. However, the team is unlikely to bring back veteran DH J.D. Martinez, who is still on the open market. After a lackluster performance during his time with the Mets, speculation arises about his potential fit with the Cincinnati Reds as they seek a power bat to enhance their lineup.

Despite being 37 and coming off a disappointing season in Flushing, Martinez remains a powerful hitter, evidenced by his impressive barrel rate. The Reds' Great American Ball Park is known for being a hitter-friendly environment, making it a sensible destination for Martinez. His past success, including 33 home runs with the Los Angeles Dodgers, adds to the intrigue of this potential signing.

Ryne Stanek, the right-handed pitcher, is set to significantly enhance his earnings with the New York Mets if he meets certain performance milestones this season. Aiming for a potential boost to $5 million, Stanek's contract includes incentives for making 50 to 70 appearances, alongside bonuses for accolades like All-Star selections or winning a Cy Young Award.

Similarly, infielder Nick Madrigal has signed a contract that allows him to earn a base salary of $1.35 million while in the majors, with additional performance bonuses based on his plate appearances. Having previously struggled with the Chicago Cubs, Madrigal will compete for a spot on the Mets' roster this spring.