Brad Brach, RHP
Player Data: Age: 33, B/T: R/R
Primary Stats: 16 games, 14.2 IP, 3.68 ERA, 1.227 WHIP, 2.67 FIP, 9.2 K/9
Advanced Stats: 113 ERA+, 2.67 FIP, 72.3 LOB%, 34.1 GB%, 4.09 xFIP, 0.5 fWAR
Free Agent: 2020
Grade: B-
2019 Review
As the Mets looked to capture a Wild Card spot down the stretch, Brad Brach was signed on Aug. 9 to reinforce their bullpen.
The right-hander pitched the first half plus of the season with the Chicago Cubs and logged an alarming 6.13 ERA in 42 games. The veteran also walked 28 batters in just under 40 innings pitched. Ultimately, the Cubs decided to part ways with Brach on Aug. 3 when they designated him for assignment.
Brach then signed with the Mets, his favorite team growing up as a Freehold, New Jersey native. In fact, Brach was at the 2015 World Series cheering on the Mets and said David Wright’s home run in Game 3 was one of the best baseball moments of his life.
Upon coming over to the Mets, Brach tweaked his delivery slightly and focused on not tipping his pitches which led to him only yielding three walks in his tenure with the Mets.
Overall, Brach was solid for New York down the stretch, logging a 2.67 FIP in 14.2 innings pitched.
The nine year veterans 2019 contract included a mutual option for 2020, however, when he was released by the Cubs, that option did not apply to his contract with the Mets, making him a free agent.
2020 Outlook
When used properly, Brach is an asset to the bullpen and would be worth bringing back on a one-year pact.
The 33-year-old is especially tough on right-handers, as he held them to a triple slash of .211/.297/.278 in 2019 as opposed to left-handers who roughed him up to the tune of a .403/.500/.639 clip.
The only issue going into 2020 is the three batter minimum. No longer can you really have guys just come in situationally to retire one batter unless it’s to end the frame.
Regardless, with the way Brach performed for the Mets in his limited time with them, it might be worth taking a flyer on him for 2020.
