The New York Mets could have an inexpensive bullpen option already sitting inside their organization as they begin planning for the 2027 season. Right-hander Dedniel Núñez is projected to earn approximately $900,000 through arbitration next season, according to an estimate based on MLB Trade Rumors’ arbitration projections. While that number is not an agreed salary or guarantee that the Mets will retain him, it gives the organization another reason to consider Núñez as part of its bullpen plans.
Núñez’s case is particularly interesting because his 2026 return from Tommy John surgery produced some encouraging results. In 19 major-league innings across 18 appearances, the right-hander recorded a 3.32 ERA, 20 strikeouts and a 0.89 WHIP, while finishing with a 2-1 record and one save. Most notably, he did something that immediately stands out for a reliever: he did not issue a single walk during his major-league stint.
Núñez Gives Mets Encouraging Signs
The Mets have plenty of questions to answer in their bullpen this offseason, particularly after moving several relievers at the trade deadline. Núñez therefore has an opportunity to become part of a group that could look considerably different when Spring Training begins.
His performance was especially encouraging considering the circumstances surrounding his return. Núñez underwent Tommy John surgery and spent much of the early portion of 2026 working his way back. The Mets placed him on the 60-day injured list in February as he continued his recovery, before beginning a series of rehabilitation assignments in the minor leagues during the summer. He eventually returned to the major-league club in early August.
The Mets were careful with his workload after his return. Interim manager Andy Green acknowledged that Núñez had done significant work in the minor leagues to establish that his arm was ready, but the organization still needed to monitor him closely because he was coming off elbow surgery. That caution will likely remain part of the Mets’ evaluation heading into 2027.
His Control Could Be His Biggest Selling Point
For a bullpen pitcher, Núñez’s lack of walks could be particularly valuable. His 20 strikeouts in 19 innings show that he can miss bats, but avoiding free passes gives the Mets another reason to view him as a potentially useful relief weapon.
The combination of strikeout ability and exceptional control could allow Núñez to compete for a more important role next season. However, the Mets cannot assume that a 19-inning sample automatically translates into a full season of reliable production.
The organization will need to determine whether his performance can hold up over a much larger workload. Opposing hitters will have more opportunities to adjust, and Núñez will also have to demonstrate that his surgically repaired elbow can withstand the demands of a full major-league season.
The Bigger Career Picture
Núñez’s recent performance is not completely isolated. His career major-league numbers remain encouraging despite the relatively small sample. He has a 2.97 ERA, 79 strikeouts and a 0.96 WHIP over 63.2 career innings, according to Baseball-Reference.
His breakout first came in 2024, when he emerged as an unexpected but highly effective member of the Mets’ bullpen. That season, he posted a 2.31 ERA over 35 innings while striking out 12.3 batters per nine innings and dramatically limiting his walks. His development represented an important example of the Mets finding value internally rather than relying exclusively on expensive free agents and trades to build their bullpen.
Injuries subsequently interrupted his progress, but his 2026 return gives New York another opportunity to see whether he can once again become a dependable member of the relief corps.
Mets Have Major Bullpen Decisions Ahead
The timing is important because the Mets have already indicated that their bullpen will be one of the major areas of focus this offseason. After trading away several relief arms during the 2026 season, New York used the final portion of the year to evaluate pitchers such as Núñez, Nate Lavender, Jefry Yan, Daniel Duarte and Jonathan Pintaro.
MLB.com’s offseason assessment suggested that Núñez and Lavender did enough to merit consideration for the 2027 Opening Day bullpen, although the Mets are still expected to bring in outside pitchers and create significant competition during Spring Training. Devin Williams is expected to remain the closer, but few other bullpen jobs are guaranteed.
That situation makes Núñez’s projected $900,000 salary particularly attractive. If he can establish himself as a legitimate major-league option, the Mets could potentially fill an important bullpen spot without committing significant money to another veteran reliever.
Arbitration Makes the Decision More Complicated
Núñez is one of 10 Mets players eligible for salary arbitration this offseason. The group also includes Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, Tylor Megill, Mark Vientos, Christopher Morel, Reed Garrett, Cionel Pérez, Austin Warren and Cristian Pache.
The combined projected salaries for those 10 players would add roughly $19 million to New York’s payroll if the Mets tendered contracts to all of them and the players received salaries close to their projections. Núñez’s projected $900,000 figure is therefore relatively modest compared with several other arbitration cases.
That does not mean the Mets are guaranteed to tender him a contract. Arbitration decisions involve roster value, projected role, injury history and the organization’s broader payroll plans. But Núñez’s production gives New York a strong argument for retaining him, particularly if the club believes he can remain healthy.
Another Year Could Change His Value
The Mets also reportedly have flexibility with Núñez because he is expected to retain a minor-league option for 2027. That could be valuable during Spring Training. Rather than needing to commit immediately to keeping him on the major-league roster, New York could evaluate him alongside its new additions and make a decision based on performance and health.
That flexibility could also protect the Mets from having to rush him into a high-leverage role. If his velocity, command or workload needs additional monitoring after surgery, the organization could use the minor leagues to continue developing him.
At the same time, his performance gives the Mets a reason to be optimistic. A reliever who can miss bats, limit walks and potentially be retained at a relatively low cost is exactly the type of internal option a team with numerous offseason needs should explore.
The Mets Still Need Outside Help
Even if Núñez returns, the Mets cannot realistically enter 2027 assuming their current bullpen will be enough. MLB.com’s offseason outlook expects New York to pursue additional arms, with competition likely to be intense during Spring Training.
That means Núñez’s potential emergence should be viewed as part of the solution rather than the entire answer. The Mets could add established relievers while allowing Núñez to compete for a defined role. If he continues to perform at the level he showed late in 2026, he could become one of the team’s more affordable and internally developed bullpen pieces.
For the Mets, that would be an ideal outcome. The organization has spent years attempting to develop more reliable homegrown pitching, and Núñez’s career represents one of the more promising examples of that process. His 2026 return suggests there may still be more value to unlock.
Ultimately, the $900,000 projection is not what makes Núñez important. His combination of health, strikeout ability, elite control and previous success is what gives him a legitimate opportunity to become part of the Mets’ 2027 bullpen. With the club facing numerous decisions and likely bringing in several new pitchers, Núñez could quietly become one of the more important internal options in New York’s offseason plans.
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