Aaron Loup has been a slightly above-average pitcher for most of his major league career.

His 123 ERA+ from 2o12-2020 backs up that statement.

But in his first season with the Mets, Loup has taken the league by storm. 49 2/3 innings and a 1.09 ERA later and the Mets have found a diamond in the rough.

“I am hoping they intend to sign me back,” Loup told reporters before Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to the Marlins.

Yesterday was a perfect example of Loup’s dominance this year. Pitching to the Marlins best hitter, Bryan De La Cruz, after allowing two singles in the inning already, Loup got him to ground into a 4-4-3 double play to keep the game tied 1-1.

Loup has allowed a mere one earned run since July 5. That lone run was a home run off the bat of Juan Soto.

After allowing that earned run to the Yankees on July 4, Loup has pitched to a 0.36 ERA in 29 appearances. This includes two “opener” starts in which he pitched one inning versus the Braves and two innings versus the Pirates, respectively. However, he also has two blown saves to his name by virtue to allowing inherited runners to score.

A free agent after the 2021 season, Loup is currently signed to a 1-year deal worth $3 million. While it’s the largest annual contract value he has made as a major leaguer, he is due for a pay raise this offseason.

Prior to his appearance on Wednesday evening, Loup’s ERA+ was an incredible 357. For reference, Max Scherzer and Corbin Burnes (tied for the NL lead in ERA+) each have an ERA+ of 178. Loup may only be pitching an inning or less per game, but his value to the team is invaluable; a Mets bullpen that has for years struggled to find a consistent middle-reliever has finally found their guy, and now it’s up to the front office to put pen to the paper and bring Loup back to Queens for 2022, and beyond.

Loup’s value is especially high when compared to how other Met relievers have fared this season. Closer Edwin Diaz has saved 28 games, yet is barely above league-average with a 102 ERA+. Even former closer Jeurys Familia, who has pitched 52 1/3 innings this season, comes nowhere near Loup’s excellence. Familia has a 121 ERA+ in 2021, more than two hundred points below Loup’s. When considering how much better Loup has been than the Mets bullpen as a unit, re-signing Loup should be at the top of the priority list heading into next spring.