BREAKING NEWS: Another Mets signings deserve extreme re-grade

During the offseason, there were varied opinions regarding the New York Mets, particularly regarding their acquisitions through free agency, which seemed less impressive compared to previous seasons. It was easy to speculate that the team might not perform well.

However, the reality is more nuanced. The Mets’ performance falls somewhere in between extremes. Their fate hinges on a few key moments, which could either propel them into the thick of the playoff race or leave them struggling.

As the regular season approached, fans weighed in on the quality of the team’s signings. Now, roughly a quarter into the season, the assessment of these three free agent additions has significantly shifted from initial perceptions.

1) Jorge Lopez

The Mets took a calculated risk by signing Jorge Lopez for just $2 million. Lopez gained attention as an unexpected All-Star closer for the Baltimore Orioles in 2022, but his performance in other seasons has been mediocre at best. Despite his standout season with the Orioles, Lopez’s form quickly regressed after being traded to the Minnesota Twins, with his ERA rising from 1.68 to 4.37. In 2023, his ERA was 5.95, not significantly worse than his career average.

The decision to sign Lopez was made early in the offseason. While the price was affordable, some questioned whether the roster spot and $2 million could have been better allocated elsewhere.

Old Grade: C-

Signing Lopez was deemed acceptable because of the option to designate him for assignment (DFA) if necessary, similar to what the Mets did with Michael Tonkin on two occasions. However, Lopez has proven to be more than just a placeholder on the mound; he has become a valuable asset in the bullpen.

Despite not recording a win or loss, Lopez leads the relievers in appearances by a significant margin, having pitched in 21 games compared to the 16 appearances each for Edwin Diaz, Adam Ottavino, and Jake Diekman.

While Lopez may not be a dominant strikeout pitcher, his effectiveness can be seen in his ability to prevent home runs this season, which underscores his value to the team.