Mets Sign RHP Clint Everts; Could Be A Real Sleeper

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Mets have signed minor-league RHP Clint Everts.

Everts, 25, was highly sought after and was being pursued by 15 teams at the Winter Meetings.

Last season, he was 8–1 with a 1.65 ERA in 44 relief appearances while pitching at three levels in the Washington Nationals farm system including Class-AAA Syracuse.

In 60 innings pitched, he allowed 49 hits and walked 26 while striking out 68 batters.

Everts was originally drafted by Omar Minaya, then with the Expos, with the fifth overall pick in the 2002 Amateur Draft.

In 2004, Everts was having a solid season with a 2.49 ERA and a 103:21 strikeout to walk ratio in 90 1/3 innings, before injuring his elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery late that season.

Originally a starting pitcher, Everts was moved into the bullpen and enjoyed a fine campaign in 2009.

He could prove to be a solid sleeper for the Mets down the road.