Mets Season in Review: Addison Reed

While he wasn’t their closer, Addison Reed was one of the most effective relief pitchers for the Mets throughout the 2016 season.

The 8th inning setup man doesn’t bring the same amount of sexiness or swagger that a team’s closer does, but Reed got the job done just about every time his name was called upon. We even wrote back in April about how dominant Reed had been so far in the season and that stayed true throughout the summer.

Being tied for most innings pitched by a Mets reliever last year with 77.2 (along with Jeurys Familia & Hansel Robles), Reed’s ERA never touched the 2 mark.

Since he was acquired by the Mets from the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 30, 2015, Reed pitched particularly well.

With the bullpen being one of the Mets most obvious areas needed for improvement, Reed is a bright spot. Pitching to a combined 3.38 ERA in 2015 and a World Series appearance, his earned run average was a full 3 points lower for New York than it was for Arizona (4.20 compared to 1.17). What could the Mets expect from Reed for the 2016 season?

How He Fared with the Mets in 2016

Statistically, 2016 was probably Reed’s best season.

Winning the setup role for the Mets during Spring Training, he ran with it. Pitching to a 4-2 record, Reed struck out 91 batters through 77.2 innings pitched (10.55 K’s/9 innings). With an ERA at 1.97, Reed set the Mets franchise record with 40 holds for the season.

In previous years, Reed was used as the primary closer in both Chicago with the White Sox, and Arizona for the Diamondbacks. While he lost the job in Arizona, this is a guy who once hit the 40 saves mark. In the year he lost his job with the Diamondbacks, he even recorded over 30 saves.

Despite the fact that he wasn’t the closer here in New York, he certainly has what it takes to get the job done. The 8th inning last year was a perfect place for Reed because while he didn’t have to deal with the everyday struggles and anxieties of a closer, he proved himself as a setup man.

When looking at the statistics and analytics of last year, compared to closer Familia, Reed fared better in multiple categories. While they both pitched the same amount of innings (77.2), Reed gave up 3 less hits (60 compared to 63), 5 less earned runs (17 compared to 22), and 18 less walks (13 compared to 31). Reed’s WHIP was also much lower, not even hitting the 1 mark (0.94), compared to Familia’s 1.21.

While 8th and 9th innings are different, it’s interesting to look and see just how differently both players reacted to their roles, though both had fantastic regular seasons.

Areas to Improve Upon

It’s very hard to improve upon a season where you set franchise records for an organization.

Personally, I think an area Reed could work on is his mindset for being used past the 8th inning. Especially with the circus going on around closer Familia, Reed will more then likely be used in different situations this year.

Look for the Mets to also add relievers next month to either hold the fort down, or keep Reed in his role that he has adapted to so well.

Projected Role in 2017

Without a doubt, the back end of the Mets bullpen is their strong suit.

Even with Familia’s postseason struggles, it’s great to have a closer reach over 50 saves during a regular season. It’s even better that their setup man set a franchise record in holds, leading up to their closer. But with a suspension likely coming to Familia, the ball might be given to Reed in the meantime.

With past closer experience, and being the best reliever on the roster with the exception of Familia, Reed will have to be able to translate his 8th innings into 9th innings. While it’s a different role, his recent success should help with the conversion, if needed.

If a suspension is handed out to Familia, look for a committee of closers to be used if Reed struggles in that position.

Contract Status and Trade Rumors

Avoiding arbitration, Reed signed a 1 year deal worth $5,300,000.

Becoming a free agent for the 2018 season, this upcoming season will be a huge year for him. If he needs to be used as a closer, it’ll show a lot of teams, including the Mets, if he can handle it.

Being primarily used as a setup man, if Reed can mirror his 2016 campaign, a team will maybe offer him a contract and chance to close for them.

With the questions surrounding the bullpen for the Mets this season, I can’t see them dealing Reed during the year unless a lot goes wrong.

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