According to Matt Ehalt of Northjersey.com, new Mets left-handed reliever Luis Avilan was told teams were hesitant to offer him a major league deal due to concerns about his shoulder.
“I know for a fact I just have to come here and show I’m healthy and I get my job and that will happen with any team, not just this one,” said Avilan, who claims his shoulder is “healthy” and was just “tired” last season.
Avilan spoke on the reason he ultimately chose the Mets due to his liking of their straightforwardness with him. He also cited the team’s new Vice President and assistant General Manager for scouting and player development, Allard Baird, who came over from the Boston Red Sox this offseason, as the specific “point man,” in negotiations, said Ehalt.
In his age 29 season, Avilan spent time with the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, where he posted a 3.77 ERA, 3.09 FIP, 1.368 WHIP and 10.1 K/9. His numbers were strong overall, but his average fastball velocity dropped from 92 mph in April/May to 88 mph in September.
Despite other club’s concerns about his health, he has been persistent that he’s ready to go and looks to compete with Daniel Zamora for the Mets potential LOOGY.
Important to note that the Atlanta Brave can opt-out of his deal with the Mets at the end of spring training if his contract is not purchased.
