The New York Mets’ bullpen remains a work in progress as the team evaluates the health of left-handed reliever A.J. Minter and explores other options for their pitching staff. Minter, who missed the final weeks of the 2024 season due to injury, is uncertain about his readiness for Opening Day. Speaking at Amazin’ Day, Minter expressed cautious optimism but hinted that setbacks could delay his return. While his situation doesn’t mirror the misfortunes of past New York Mets free agent signings like Dellin Betances, it remains a point of concern for the organization.
Mets Eyeing Tim Hill as Potential Lefty Reinforcement
In the meantime, the Mets are actively pursuing another left-handed reliever. According to Sports Illustrated’s Pat Ragazzo, Tim Hill is a target for several MLB teams, including the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Rockies, and Angels. Hill’s experience and track record have made him a hot commodity in free agency, and the Mets are reportedly among the teams showing significant interest in his services.
This pursuit underscores the Mets’ desire to bolster their bullpen depth, especially with Minter’s Opening Day availability in question. A signing like Hill would provide the team with more options and flexibility as they navigate the early months of the season.
Danny Young’s Role and Future with the Mets
Current Mets lefty reliever Danny Young finds himself in a precarious position heading into the 2025 season. Young’s performance in 2024 was uneven, finishing the season with a 4.54 ERA. While he showed flashes of brilliance in the summer months, particularly in July and August when he gave up just three earned runs in 17.2 innings and struck out 24 batters, his struggles in June and September overshadowed those contributions.
Young’s versatility and ability to shuttle between the minors and majors last season made him a valuable depth piece. However, he no longer has minor league options remaining, which could make him a roster casualty if the Mets sign another left-handed reliever like Hill.
Young’s role could also depend on Minter’s health. If Minter starts the season on the injured list, Young might find himself on the Opening Day roster. However, his spot would likely be temporary, with the possibility of him being replaced once Minter is fully healthy.
Balancing the Bullpen
The Mets’ approach to constructing their bullpen includes aiming for a mix of left-handed and right-handed relievers to maximize effectiveness in various game situations. Minter, when healthy, is seen as more of a late-inning, high-leverage reliever, while pitchers like Young or Hill are better suited for early-game matchups against left-handed hitters.
Young’s usage late in 2024, which was largely limited to mop-up duty, further suggests that the team is evaluating other options to solidify the bullpen. The Mets have taken a similar approach in the past, such as with Phil Bickford, who competed for a bullpen spot in spring training last year but ultimately didn’t make the team.
Final Outlook
As spring training approaches, the Mets’ bullpen picture remains fluid. Minter’s health status will be a key factor in determining how the team proceeds. Meanwhile, the pursuit of Tim Hill signals the organization’s intent to add depth and reliability to the bullpen. Danny Young’s future with the Mets could hinge on these developments, with his position on the roster becoming increasingly tenuous if another lefty is signed.
For now, the Mets are leaving no stone unturned as they aim to assemble a bullpen capable of supporting a successful 2025 campaign. Fans will need to stay tuned as these battles for roster spots play out in spring training.
