Going into the 2017 season, the Mets had a big question mark surrounding its bullpen.

But if his scoreless inning on Friday night says anything about Jerry Blevins, it’s that he has become a force to be reckoned with.

The team started its season without its closer for the first 15 games, while no new arms were added in the offseason to alleviate any concerns. Despite the doubts surrounding the relief corps, the southpaw took this season as an opportunity to shine.

Blevins joined the Mets in March, 2015. The southpaw suffered a fractured arm after being drilled by a comebacker and ended the season with only five innings pitched. But, he rebounded the following year, finishing the 2016 season with a 2.79 ERA which eventually led to the Mets giving him a new contract plus an option.

With the Mets having a pretty quiet offseason, the signing of Blevins seemed to be important for the success of the bullpen. The team looked to Blevins to be a leader and key piece in winning games and he did not disappoint. Through September, Blevins has held onto a 6-0 record and a 3.02 ERA across 47 innings pitched. With less than a month left in the season, there is no doubt that his previous record of 48 innings pitched in the 2010 season will be passed with ease.

Mets fans had a pretty good idea of what they would be getting from the left-hander. He is a lefty specialist with a nasty curve, but what they got was much more. Blevins came in with his curve, but also impressed with his four-seam fastball and changeup. We have seen him be used less as a “situational guy” and more of a “go-to guy.”

Also considered is that he is one of only two current Mets that hasn’t spent any time on the disabled list this season. If he can stay healthy next year, it will greatly benefit the status of the ‘pen. If

After letting go of Addison Reed and bringing in AJ Ramos, the team has expressed their plans of bringing back Blevins and having him be a large piece in the bullpen going forward and rightfully so.

A fan favorite, he’s a dedicated pitcher with a great personality to match. However, some don’t agree with this notion. Some see him as an aging lefty who will end up depleting and regressing next year. With pitchers being as unpredictable as they are, they could be correct, but he has proven that he deserves to be on the mound in a Mets uniform going forward.