The Mets officially announced that they have signed lefthanded starting pitcher John Lannan to a minor-league deal with a spring training invite.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Lannan will earn $1.5 million if he makes the major league team, plus an additional $2 million in innings pitched bonuses.
As we surmised here before the weekend, Lannan does in fact have an opt-out clause in his contract and he can become a free agent if the Mets do not place him on the 25 man roster by June 15.
Lannan fills Sandy Alderson’s wish to bring in a backend starter on a minor league deal to compete with Jenrry Mejia for the fifth spot in the rotation.
I’ve always liked Lannan when he was with the Washington Nationals, but he’s coming off a poor season with The Phillies in which he posted a 5.33 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 74.1 innings pitched. His strikeout rate was awful at 4.6 per nine innings, and his walk rate was nothing to speak of either at 3.3 per nine.
The Mets will hope Lannan can return to form – and his numbers should improve going from CBP to pitching in spacious Citi Field if he makes the team. And that’s a big if…
