After struggling to find an effective left handed specialist in 2015, acquiring one this offseason will be one of the Mets’ top priorities. While the Mets have limited options on their current roster, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com explains that there are several possibilities internally or on the free agent market.
One option is reuniting with Jerry Blevins, who appeared in just seven games this year. He broke his arm twice during the season, but he made a strong impression in his short time in New York. He didn’t allow a single base runner in five innings, and has held lefties to a .206 average during his career. DiComo reports that the two sides have expressed mutual interest and that he could fit into the team’s budget since he made only $2.4 million in 2015
Two other interesting options are Antonio Bastardo and Tony Sipp. Sipp had an excellent year for the Astros with a 1.99 ERA, but he actually held right-handed hitters to a lower average. Meanwhile, Bastardo excels against southpaws, which our very own Logan Barer covered on MMO yesterday.
“Lefties batted a mere .138 (9-65) against Bastardo in 2015, with one home run and three RBIs (righties batted .207). In his career, lefties have batted .176 against him, so this season was not an outlier. When it comes to relievers on the free agent market, there are no surer bets than Bastardo in terms of getting left-handed sluggers out.”
If the Mets do not acquire someone outside the organization, their internal options would include Sean Gilmartin, Dario Alvarez and Josh Edgin when he returns from injury. Gilmartin was solid in 2015, but he actually had reverse splits much like Sipp.
However, one overlooked candidate is 26 year old lefty Josh Smoker, who was just added to the team’s 40-man roster. Smoker posted a 3.12 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 49 innings across three minor league levels this season. Hopefully the Mets will give him a chance to prove himself during spring training even if they acquire a pitcher like Bastardo.
