It’s only been 20 games, but there’s a lot to talk about with the Mets. There’s Neil Walker turning into Postseason Daniel Murphy. There’s Noah Syndergaard becoming the ace of the staff. Michael Conforto is already batting third, and he’s become the Mets’ best pure hitter.
Also, the bullpen has been dominant. Really dominant.
The Mets bullpen has recorded nine saves this season with a 2.54 ERA that ranks No. 2 in the National League and a 1.23 WHIP in 69 appearances.
They’ve totaled 78 strikeouts in 63.2 innings pitched to give them an NL leading 11.03 K/9 and a 3.90 K/BB which is also No. 1 in the NL.
All these numbers are all the more impressive when you consider it includes Rafael Montero‘s 11.57 ERA and 2.571 WHIP. When you back out Montero’s stats, the Mets bullpen would have a 2.20 ERA and an 1.17 WHIP.
Of particular note, Jim Henderson, Hansel Robles, and Addison Reed have been outstanding. They have combined to pitch 29.2 innings with a 1.82 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 12.74 K/9. The three of them have created the perfect bridge to Familia – something that was sorely lacking last season.
What’s incredible to me is that the Mets bullpen has performed this well without Jeurys Familia in his usual elite form. He has a 2.45 ERA and a 1.545 WHIP, and despite his relative struggles, he’s still a perfect 7-for-7 in save opportunities.
Even better, Familia seems to have come around and i’s starting to look like his usual self. Over his last two appearances, he hasn’t allowed a baserunner. Once Familia returns to form, and there is no doubt he will, the Mets bullpen will become even more dominant – and in my opinion the best in the league.
That’s bad news for teams that are trying to get into the Mets bullpen after 6-7 innings against one of our young aces. Overall, the Mets not only have the best starting pitching staff in the majors, they really have the best pitching in the majors period.
