Bryan Hudson's spring training with the New York Mets was a rollercoaster that ended with him off the Opening Day roster. After a rough stint on the mound-allowing six earned runs over just 3.1 innings-the Mets decided to part ways, designating him for assignment. The Chicago White Sox swooped in, reclaiming Hudson, a familiar face for them.
The Mets, meanwhile, opted for a reunion of their own by bringing back lefty Richard Lovelady. Lovelady secured a spot on the roster, at least temporarily, as the team waits for A.J.
Minter to return. It’s a strategic move, choosing to bolster their bullpen with a second lefty rather than handing the spot to a seasoned veteran like Craig Kimbrel, who also struggled this spring.
Kimbrel's willingness to remain within the organization likely influenced the decision to keep him in reserve.
When it comes to left-handed relief, the Mets' depth chart is a mixed bag. Brandon Waddell showed promise last season but is more of a long reliever.
Matt Turner impressed during spring training and is definitely a player to keep an eye on. Then there’s Nate Lavender, who rejoined the Mets from the Tampa Bay Rays after being lost in the Rule 5 Draft.
Having missed last season due to Tommy John surgery, Lavender is eager to prove his worth in the minors.
The Mets are also navigating the decision of whether they truly need a second left-handed reliever. Sean Manaea’s move to the bullpen adds another layer to this discussion.
While he’s expected to fill a piggyback role, his ability to deliver key outs in high-pressure situations shouldn’t be underestimated. With Tobias Myers and Huascar Brazoban providing depth, the Mets have options to cover innings.
Losing Hudson to waivers isn’t ideal, but it’s not a devastating blow either. The biggest hit might be to Steve Cohen’s wallet, having paid for Hudson’s acquisition. But in the grand scheme, it’s a minor setback for a team with championship aspirations.