According to Ken Rosenthal on Twitter, the Mariners are on the verge of acquiring free agent left-handed reliever Marc Rzepczynski.
Rzepczynski, 31, has developed a decent reputation as a lefty specialist over the years. In 2016 with the Athletics and Nationals, he went 1-0 with a 2.64 ERA, striking out 46 batters in 47.2 innings.
This directly affects the market for free agent Jerry Blevins, who the Mets have said they would like to bring back. He remains as the best lefty reliever on the free agent market, excluding closer Aroldis Chapman. As of now, the Mets bullpen includes young lefties Josh Smoker and Josh Edgin.
This also affects the Mets’ trade market. The Mariners are in the market for an outfielder and MMO predicts them as a possible landing spot for Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson. With this signing, the Mariners have more than enough bullpen depth to deal from, an area which the Mets would like to improve.
Mariner relievers Nick Vincent and Steve Cishek would both make solid additions to the Mets bullpen, setting up Addison Reed in the 8th and Jeurys Familia in the 9th.
The deal is reportedly for two years and is pending a physical as well as some “last minute details.” This post will be updated when the final terms are reported and the deal is official.
