Jorge Lopez, the former closer for the Baltimore Orioles, is confident in his ability to become a key arm in the New York Mets bullpen. Despite a decline in performance after his successful stint with the Orioles, the Mets still signed him as their first bullpen acquisition of the offseason.
Lopez’s time with the Orioles in 2022 was impressive. He recorded 19 saves and earned an All-Star appearance, becoming a dynamic anchor for the team’s bullpen. However, his ERA skyrocketed to 4.37 after being traded to the Minnesota Twins. Over the next year, Lopez was traded once and designated for assignment twice before becoming a free agent.
Although he won’t be filling the closer spot for the Mets due to Edwin Diaz’s return and his recent track record, Lopez is seen as a valuable asset for the team. Carlos Mendoza, who previously witnessed Lopez’s skills while with the Yankees, listed him as one of the four pitchers who could potentially pitch the eighth inning depending on the matchup.
Lopez acknowledges that his results this spring have been mixed, with some scoreless innings and others where he allowed runs. However, he believes that his experience in various pitching roles over the past two years has prepared him to fill any pitching gaps the Mets may have during games.
For Lopez, staying concentrated and adaptable in any situation is crucial. He is willing to pitch from the sixth to ninth innings, depending on the team’s needs. By joining the Mets this season, Lopez hopes to find more stability compared to his previous experiences with the Twins and Marlins.
In 2022, Lopez struggled both physically and mentally. He faced mental health issues that led to him being placed on the 15-day injured list to seek help. Despite his struggles, Lopez believes he still has the talent and skillset necessary to succeed.
Throughout his career, Lopez has been on teams with varying levels of success. He has experienced both losing seasons and postseason runs, but he remains determined to make the most of his opportunities. After a turbulent 2022 season, Lopez is grateful for the chance to prove himself once again.
The Mets have high hopes for Lopez in their bullpen. Carlos Mendoza has praised his performance in camp, noting his strong velocity and the movement of his pitches. The team expects Lopez to be a significant contributor this season.
With confidence in his abilities and a fresh start with the Mets, Jorge Lopez is ready to showcase his talent and become a key asset in the team’s bullpen. Despite past setbacks, he remains optimistic about his future and is determined to make a positive impact for his new team.
