BOSTON _ In what feels like an annual tradition at this point, the Mets will once again be trying to revamp a poor bullpen this offseason.
"I would definitely feel at this point it would be nice to add some bullpen depth," Mets manager Mickey Callaway said Saturday.
Despite a focus on that area this past offseason and the acquisition of many young, power arms, the Mets possess few bullpen locks for their 2019 roster. Most of the younger relievers have failed to impress in their limited auditions this season.
Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Red Sox showcased the inconsistencies by some of the younger players with the bullpen failing to hold a two-run lead. Paul Sewald allowed four runs in the fifth inning, and Drew Smith allowed the go-ahead two-run double.
The loss snapped the Mets' (69-79) four-game winning streak.
A strong bullpen has been a rarity in the Sandy Alderson era, and the Mets will see whether his successor can assemble a stronger unit. Alderson's big free-agent signing last winter, righty Anthony Swarzak, flopped this year while dealing with injuries.
The next general manager will have money to spend, especially with David Wright's contract no longer being counted in full, and the free-agent class is strong. Andrew Miller, Craig Kimbrel, Jeurys Familia, Zach Britton and Cody Allen highlight the group.
While Mets manager Mickey Callaway said the 2019 closer might be on the roster, it's safe to assume the team will add at least one back-end reliever.
"We'll see have to see how the winter goes," Callaway said. "I feel comfortable if one of these guys we have on the roster has to be the closer.
Only three pitchers can be considered locks for the bullpen heading into the offseason: Swarzak, Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo.
Gsellman and Lugo could always emerge as rotation pieces in case of injuries, but they seem to have found their homes in the bullpens.
None of the younger relievers can be considered locks, but some are leaving more of an impression on the staff than others. While jobs are not being won in September, the staff will remember which players performed down the stretch.
Sewald, who performed so well in April, has faded and will enter the offseason with poor numbers. He wasted the 3-1 lead he inherited in the fifth inning courtesy Brandon Nimmo's three-run homer off Rick Porcello in the fourth inning.
Spot starter Corey Oswalt allowed one unearned run in 22/3 innings.
After recording the first two outs, Sewald allowed two singles and a two-run, game-tying double off the Green Monster to Jackie Bradley Jr. The double was originally ruled a three-run homer before video replay changed it a two-base hit.
Sewald issued an intentional walk before exiting, and Smith allowed a two-run double to pinch hitter Brock Holt. While Smith allowed the go-ahead hit, he did not allow a run in his 11/3 innings and was singled out by Callaway before the game.
Daniel Zamora also struck out four of the five batters he faced, and the Mets offense managed only two hits, both in the fourth inning.
"Drew Smith has really impressed me. I think it's shown by the way we've been using him. We've been trusting him to go out and get some outs in big situations, seventh, eighth," Callaway said. "He's been particularly impressive in my mind."
