There are still gaps in the New York Mets’ roster that need to be filled this offseason.

After winning 101 games in 2022, New York had very high expectations going into the 2023 season. Despite being widely regarded as one of baseball’s World Series contenders, the Mets’ season spiralled out of control, winning just 75 games.

David Stearns, a former executive with the Milwaukee Brewers, has been appointed president of baseball operations by the Mets, with the primary responsibility of leading the team back to the postseason.

Although Joey Wendle and Luis Severino, two former All-Stars, have already joined New York, there is still much work to be done. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the top starter that the Mets are pursuing; if they don’t get him, they’ll probably focus on Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell, two other talented players.

The bullpen is another area that needs improvement on the team. After missing the 2023 season, star closer Edwin Díaz will return to New York, but the team still needs to add one or two more potent relievers.

Keynan Middleton, a former fireballer for the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees, is one player who might make sense to bring in.

With a career 3.84 ERA in 205 games, the 30-year-old fireballer has been incredibly consistent over the course of his seven-year big league career. Middleton played for the White Sox and Yankees in 2023, finishing with a 3.38 ERA in 51 games. Having been traded ahead of the trade deadline with a 1.88 ERA in 12 games, he was particularly strong in the latter part of his Yankees career.

The Mets would be wise to select the righty, even though he may not be the most well-known player available. He would make an interesting setup man for Díaz if New York were interested in signing him. Although the reliever market has been incredibly slow thus far, Middleton is someone to watch.