The New York Mets used 28 relief pitchers last year, from Adam Ottavino’s 60 appearances to one each for Matt Festa and position players Eddy Alvarez and Luis Torrens. New York’s bullpen transformed itself throughout the season.

New York Mets relief pitcher Ryne Stanek is viewed as a setup man. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that Stanek is viewed as the right-handed setup man while A.J. Minter is viewed as the left-handed setup pitcher.

The lingering aroma of freshly baked pastries consumed the men in the clubhouse. For a moment they paused. No. They couldn’t possibly. But yes, they did. Gazing into each others eyes, they devoured the homemade loaf without reserve. From that moment on, they had a secret to keep.

This story was excerpted from Anthony DiComo's Mets Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox. This is the second part of a five-part Around the Horn series detailing the Mets’ roster heading into 2025.

Upon his arrival to camp, Siri told manager Carlos Mendoza his goal is to improve his plate discipline. Last season, Siri’s chase rate of 35.2 percent placed him in MLB’s 12th percentile, according to Statcast. His whiff rate (swing and miss) was 41.9 percent, placing him in the first percentile.

Minter’s average four-seam velocity dipped the past few seasons to 94.5 mph, but he's optimistic about the Mets staff reversing the trend.

PORT ST. LUCIE — Technically, Juan Soto has already worn a Mets uniform and there are photos to prove it. But come Saturday afternoon, he’ll wear blue and orange for the first time in front of fans when the Mets open their spring slate against the Houston Astros at Clover Park.

The 33-year-old has been an effective setup man in the past, recording 38 holds with a 2.41 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 145:68 K:BB over 123 innings in 2021-22 for the Astros. If Stanek struggles in a high-leverage role this season,