Mets: 1 Achilles heel that could cost us a trip to the playoffs

The Mets have one major question on the roster that could end up being a huge problem in 2021.

There is a ton of excitement surrounding the New York Mets thanks to new owner Steve Cohen and the addition of star shortstop Francisco Lindor. The arrival of Lindor instantly made the Mets contenders once again.

However, there are still big question marks on the roster. In fact, there is even an Achilles heel that could end up costing the team wins and ultimately keep them out of October. That weak spot is the closer role.

Mets need a big year out of the presumed closer

Edwin Diaz enters the season as the closer, at least for now. He may also end up being a high-leverage guy, where he could enter earlier than the ninth inning when the game is still on the line.

But let’s say Diaz does get that ninth-inning role. Mets fans have seen two different versions of him since his arrival in 2019.

The 2018 Seattle Mariners All-Star had a brutal start to his Mets career in his debut 2019 season. He went 2-7 with a 5.59 ERA and finished with 26 saves. This came after a 2018 season in Seattle when he posted a 1.96 ERA with 57 saves.

Things got much better in 2020. Diaz was lights out with a 1.75 ERA and 50 strikeouts in only 25.2 innings of work. The only problem is it is hard to project if he can keep up those numbers over a full 162-game season in 2021. 25 innings of work is about two months of action in a normal season.

The closer role is something that could sink many teams. A few blown saves can ultimately end up being the difference between reaching the postseason or missing out by just a few games. Diaz shows up this season as a bit of a wild card. Another season like 2019 could result in a few extra losses early that end up keeping the Mets out of October.