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NL Wild Card 2016: 5 reasons Mets will win

By Nathaniel Reeves

May 28, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 16, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Mets pitcher Addison Reed reacts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Mets pitcher Addison Reed reacts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. New York has a huge bullpen advantage 

It’s not hard to see Wednesday’s contest becoming a battle of bullpens, given the fact that both teams might struggle to put up runs. Should that happen, the Mets would enjoy a big advantage in the high-leverage innings.

Most playoff bullpens are in better shape than San Francisco right now, but New York’s unit shouldn’t be underestimated. The Mets’ relievers quietly had a strong year, posting a collective 3.53 ERA (3.54 FIP) that ranked third in the NL, and a 9.75 K/9 rate that was second-best behind the Cubs.

Closer Jeurys Familia has the flashy stats, including a mark of 51 saves that led the Majors. However, the key pitcher in New York”s bullpen this season was Addison Reed, who is the best high-leverage reliever either team can throw on Wednesday night.

The Mets acquired Reed from the Arizona Diamondbacks after the waiver trade deadline late last August, and he pitched very well over 15.1 innings before a rough outing in Game 5 of the World Series. Reed has bounced back with a 1.97 ERA (1.97 FIP) and 91 strikeouts over 77.2 innings.

Elsewhere, Jerry Blevins had a terrific season as a LOOGY and can be counted on in a big situation against a left-handed batter such as Belt. Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman have pitched well out of the rotation recently, and one figures to be available for long relief.

If Syndergaard can keep it close while the starters remain in the game, the Mets should feel good about their chances in the later innings.

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