Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets had numerous questions surrounding their bullpen entering the 2023 season. In total, the organization had to replace 379 1/3 innings from 2022 and make an important decision with Edwin Díaz.

To say the Mets answered most questions about their bullpen this off-season would be an understatement. Steve Cohen re-signed Díaz to a record-breaking five-year, $102 million contract. The front office also added David Robertson to the back end of the bullpen only two days after trading for crafty left-hander Brooks Raley.

With the late innings covered for in the Mets bullpen, the organization still needs to account for the middle innings. Joely Rodriguez and Trevor Williams have already departed via free agency, while Seth Lugo, Adam Ottavino, and Trevor May all remain free agents.

The Mets already have an MLB record $350 million payroll heading into the 2023 season. While Cohen hasn’t shown remorse for the tax named after him, the Mets presumably won’t be shelling out large money towards the bullpen before Opening Day.

In early November, I put together a list of free agents that made sense for the Mets bullpen. With the new payroll and remaining free agents in mind, I compiled a new list of names that make sense for the Mets entering the 2023 season.

Adam Ottavino

A reunion between Ottavino and the Mets makes perfect sense. The Brooklyn native pitched to a 2.06 ERA and held down the eighth inning for the Mets in 2022. While he may be more costly than the other names on the list, he has proven he can pitch in New York and would solidify the bullpen for 2023.

Trevor May

Before Mets fans flinch at the idea of re-signing May before the 2023 season, hear me out. His 3.87 FIP in 2022 was more than a full run lower than his 5.04 ERA. Also, once he returned from the IL last season, May pitched to a 3.45 ERA and struck out 14.2 batters per nine. If the Mets re-sign May, the best-case scenario would be a repeat of 2021, where he pitched 62 2/3 innings and recorded a 112 ERA+.

Brad Boxberger

Brad Boxberger had a phenomenal season with the Brewers and reached 64 innings pitched for a second consecutive season. He pitched to a 2.95 ERA, struck out 9.6 batters per nine, and recorded a 134 ERA+.

Andrew Chafin

Andrew Chafin has been linked to the Mets for almost two years. In 2022, he pitched to a 2.83 ERA and struck out 10.5 batters per nine over 57 1/3 innings pitched. The Mets attempted to trade for him last trade deadline and are still in the mix for him this offseason.

Alex Reyes

Alex Reyes was surprisingly DFA’d by the Cardinals this off-season. He is only one year removed from being an All-Star in 2021, where he pitched to a 3.24 ERA and saved 29 games in 72 1/3 innings pitched. The New Jersey native missed the whole 2022 season after shoulder surgery but will be an interesting candidate heading into 2023.

Chad Green

Chad Green had a forgettable 2022 after Tommy John surgery ended his season in May. However, the reliever was a staple in the Yankees bullpen in 2021 and pitched to a 3.12 ERA and struck out 10.6 batters per nine in 83 2/3 innings.

Steve Cishek

Steve Cishek has been one of the most reliable relievers in baseball throughout his career. He pitched over 60 innings for the fourth time since 2018 and struck out 10 batters per nine in 2022. While he will turn 37 during the 2023 season, Cishek could eat innings for the Mets.

Alex Colomé

Alex Colomé was flat-out horrible for the Rockies in 2022. He pitched to a 5.74 ERA, 1.681 WHIP, and 4.2 BB/9. However, Colomé did record 47 innings in 2022 and could bounce back outside of Coors Field. In fact, Colomé’s 4.54 FIP was a whole run less than his ERA.

Scott Oberg

Scott Oberg’s future in MLB is up in the air heading into 2023. A series of blood clots have derailed the UConn alum’s career and he hasn’t stated whether or not he will attempt a comeback. When Oberg was healthy in 2018 and 2019, he was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball and held an ERA under 2.5 while pitching at Coors Field.

Trevor Rosenthal

Injuries have gotten the better of Trevor Rosenthal recently and the right-hander hasn’t pitched since 2020. However, in the Covid-19 shortened season, Rosenthal was dominant and recorded a 1.90 ERA between the Royals and Padres. Rosenthal claims to be fully healthy heading into 2023 and remains unsigned.

Zack Littell

Zack Littell had a strange 2022 season for the Giants. His ERA ballooned from 2.92 in 2021 to 5.08 in 2022 despite better-advanced statistics. Not only was his 37.2 HardH% and 87.6 average exit velocity significantly lower than his 2021 averages, but he also walked almost one batter less during 2022. However, Littell gave up 9.7 H/9 in 2022, which was an increase from 6.7 in 2021.

Archie Bradley

Archie Bradley is another interesting candidate heading into 2023. He missed most of the 2022 season after fracturing his elbow in a brawl against the Mariners and then strained his forearm when he returned from the IL. While his 18 2/3 innings aren’t appealing, Bradley has a successful track record and has pitched to a 3.55 ERA in 212 2/3 innings since 2018.