Why a 30-Year-Old Mets Reliever Has Been a Bright Spot in the Bullpen in 2026
The Mets’ pitching has not been the issue to start the season. Their bullpen and starting rotation combination has been statistically one of the best in the MLB through the early stretch. The Mets’ pitching as a team has an ERA of 3.88. The Mets currently rank 18th in MLB in bullpen ERA with a collective mark of 3.87.
Austin Warren has been an unsung hero for this Mets bullpen. Austin Warren has emerged as a frequent "shuttle" arm for the Mets in 2026, bouncing between Triple-A Syracuse and the Major League roster. Despite the frequent moves, he has been highly effective when called upon. His stats through seven games are: nine innings pitched, 10 strikeouts, one WHIP, and an ERA of one. While he hasn't seen much high-leverage action, largely due to the presence of arms like Devin Williams and Brooks Raley, his ability to provide multi-inning relief has been vital.
Warren hasn’t had an easy journey to the MLB. The Mets are his third team in his six-year MLB career. The previous two teams were with the Angels and the Giants. He hasn’t gotten a lot of consistent time in the Major Leagues, as before joining the Mets, the most appearances for the righty were 16 games. Warren joined the Mets in 2025 and has maintained an impressive sub-two ERA during his tenure with the club.
Warren's ability to give the Mets versatility by pitching multiple innings has been pivotal this season. Five out of his seven appearances this season have been for at least one inning. In addition, he’s worked two innings twice out of his seven appearances. Warren had a moment with the Mets fans during an April appearance at Citi Field. Mets fans broke out the "MVP" chants for Austin Warren during a legendary relief appearance on April 21st, 2026, against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. The chants weren't just for a single moment; they built up throughout a high-leverage outing where Warren became an instant fan favorite.
The highlights of that game were: at first, the escape job of Warren, after Devin Williams struggled in the ninth inning, Warren entered the game with the bases loaded and no outs. He proceeded to strike out the side of Royce Lewis, Brooks Lee, and Byron Buxton, escaping the jam without allowing a single run. The second was the atmosphere. The Citi Field crowd erupted as he walked off the mound, with many fans jokingly, and some quite seriously, chanting "MVP! MVP!" and his name. Third was the overall appearance. He finished that appearance with one inning pitched and three strikeouts, surrendering no hits or walks.
