Every contending team needs bullpen help at the trade deadline, but the New York Mets might need it more than anybody.
New York's bullpen has been taxed all season, and they've struggled to figure out their high-leverage mix in front of closer Edwin Díaz. Huascar Brazoban, who was excellent for the Mets early in the year, has gone stone cold of late.
For New York to get themselves back on top of the National League East and have the best chance at a World Series run, a key addition at the trade deadline is of the utmost importance.
On Monday, John Wolff of FanSided named one reliever for the Mets to strongly consider acquiring: Jake Bird of the Colorado Rockies.
"Given these struggles, it would be wise for the Mets to consider moving Brazoban into a low-leverage role, similar to how they handled Ryne Stanek earlier this season," Wolff wrote. "But with the trade deadline approaching, the Amazins' shouldn’t stop there."
"General Manager David Stearns should look to bolster the bullpen by targeting Rockies reliever Jake Bird. At 29 and in his fourth MLB season, Bird has been a bright spot for Colorado despite their horrific season. Bird boasts a 2.79 ERA this year and a striking 28.6% strikeout rate, ranking in the top 15% across MLB."
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Catcher Hunter Goodman earned the All-Star nod from the Rockies, a fine selection because the young slugger has 16 home runs. But Bird has 1.8 bWAR to Goodman's 1.7; it's just that the competition for relievers to become All-Stars is always the most intense of any position.
But personal recognition aside, Bird could finish the season on the highest of notes if he finds his way to a contender. The Mets seem to be as good a fit as anyone, but it remains to be seen whether Stearns will make it happen.
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