The Mets believe Gsellman has the stuff to close if he is indeed moved to the bullpen, Kevin Kernan of the New York Post reports. "With that sinker of his he could be like [Jeurys] Familia," according to one Met official. "We think he definitely has the ability to close. He's got the stuff and he is fearless."
This is a complicated report to dissect, as the source is anonymous and Gsellman has not even officially been moved to the bullpen yet. Manager Terry Collins is on record as saying Gsellman will move to the bullpen when Steven Matz (elbow) and Seth Lugo (elbow) return from the disabled list. Both Matz and Lugo need one more rehab start before joining the rotation. Further complicating matters is the fact that Gsellman has been very solid in his last two starts, notching a 2.77 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and eight strikeouts over 13 innings against the Padres and Brewers. Then there is the fact that Addison Reed has done nothing to warrant a demotion from the closer's role, boasting a 3.38 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 30:3 K:BB in 26.2 innings. The idea of Gsellman closing games for the Mets is nothing more than an intriguing hypothetical for now.