Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mets’ Carlos Mendoza Reacts to Trade News Before Yankees Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated May 17, 2025 2:32 PM ET

The New York Mets don’t have any big-name pitchers other than Kodai Senga, but they still have an MLB-best 2.89 ERA collectively heading into Saturday’s game against the New York Yankees. It’s a big reason why they’re 28-17 and 1.5 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East.

The entire starting rotation is earning its salary, as Senga (4-2) has a 1.22 ERA in eight starts, while Griffin Canning (5-1) has a 2.36 ERA in eight starts. Additionally, David Peterson (2-2) has a 3.05 ERA in eight starts, Clay Holmes (5-2) a 3.14 mark in nine starts, and Tylor Megill (3-4) a 3.74 mark in nine.

The bullpen has also been reliable, led by right-handed hurlers like Huascar Brazoban (1.08 ERA), Reed Garrett (1.06 ERA), and José Butto (2.88 ERA). Now, the Mets added much-needed southpaw José Castillo (11.37 ERA) to the mix through a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, via MLB.com.

Manager Carlos Mendoza sounded off about it before Saturday’s game, via SNY.

"It definitely helps [having another left-hander out of the bullpen], especially when you're going against a lineup like this, or [the] Boston [Red Sox], or the [Los Angeles] Dodgers coming up," he said. "We know the stuff is there, he's a lefty that throws hard, he's got a breaking ball, the slider. We saw him not too long ago."

"This is a guy that when he's healthy, he's got the talent," he continued. "He's dealt a lot with injuries in the past, but he was a big-time prospect coming up with the [San Diego] Padres. We feel like there's more in the tank there, and hopefully, he can be a player for us out of the bullpen."

"We feel like there's more in the tank there and hopefully, he can be a player for us out of the bullpen."

Carlos Mendoza talks about what José Castillo can bring to the Mets: pic.twitter.com/2ZUP6EMkC1
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 17, 2025