Here is the most up-to-date information regarding the top remaining free agent relievers, many of whom the Mets and their division rivals have been connected to this offseason.
It is important to note before continuing that the Mets do not plan on signing a free agent reliever until Jay Bruce has been traded.
Kenley Jansen – Unfortunately for the Mets, two of the three teams seemingly in the bidding for closer Kenley Jansen are in the NL East. Both the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins are reportedly in on the Jansen sweepstakes, as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers. If the Nationals were to miss out on Jansen, they would likely pursue White Sox closer David Robertson or Rays’ closer Alex Colome.
Conversely, if the Marlins were to miss out, incumbent closer A.J. Ramos would keep his role and they would shift their attention to acquiring a set-up man or two.
Greg Holland – Once one of the very best closers in the game, Holland hasn’t pitched since 2015 due to Tommy John surgery. He is aiming to come back in 2017, though, and held a showcase earlier in the offseason. The Mets were one of the 16 teams known to have sent a scout to watch, so there is at least some interest.
It is reported that the former Royal is looking for a two-year deal worth $8 million per season. While he got good reviews during his showcase, it is possible teams will hold out as long as they can this offseason and try to get him on a one-year deal.
Brad Ziegler – The 36 year-old righty has been connected to the Mets, but has also been connected to the division rival Marlins. As I mentioned earlier, the Marlins have their sights set on Kenley Jansen, so Ziegler would be a backup plan for them. The long-time Diamondback would be a phenomenal addition to the Mets bullpen.
Neftali Feliz – Once the 2010 Rookie of the Year, Neftali Feliz has Sandy Alderson written all over him. Alderson has said he likes young arms with closing experience, and while Feliz isn’t quite the pitcher he was when he saved 72 games in his first two full seasons, he can still bring it.
In 2016 he averaged 96 mph on his fastball, reaching as high as 99.9 mph. These are far better numbers than anything he has put up since 2011, as his fastball velocities from 2012-2015 were 94.6, 93.7, 93.6, and 94.6 mph. Now at 28 years-old, he is a solid option for the Mets bullpen after posting a 3.52 ERA in 53.2 innings with 61 strikeouts for the Pirates in 2016. He seems to be on the up-and-up, so now could be a great time to bring him aboard with a multi-year deal.
Fernando Salas – Salas, 31, was a solid acquisition by Sandy Alderson late in the 2016 season. He appeared in 17 games for the Mets and pitched to a 2.08 ERA, earning him a spot higher up on the list of available free agent relievers. While the Mets have said they’d like to have him back, those pesky Marlins have also been connected to him.
Jerry Blevins – The Mets have publicly said they want the southpaw to return, however the lucrative deals of Brett Cecil and Marc Rzepczynski have driven up his price tag. A reunion is entirely possible, however it all depends on how much the Mets are willing to spend. It also hinges on their willingness to offer three years as that is what Blevins and Co. seem to be pursuing.
So there you have it, those are the names to watch when it comes to the Mets bullpen. Again, don’t expect any signings before Jay Bruce is traded, as the hope is still that trading Bruce could bring back a solid, cheaper back-end reliever.
