The Mets are among teams scouting free-agent RHP Jose Arredondo, who is currently pitching for Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuela winter league.
“I want major league scouts to focus on the training I’ve done and how I’m trying to get back in major league form,” Arredondo told the Daily News from Venezuela, where he’s currently pitching for the Bravos de Margarita. “I feel very confident that I can contribute to a team immediately. I just want the opportunity to get back and prove my abilities.”
Arredondo last pitched in the major leagues in 2012, compiling a 22-11 record with a 1.327 WHIP and 3.27 ERA in 214 relief appearances for the Angels and Reds before. He had a somewhat impressive 8.7 strikeout rate but that was offset by an extremely high 4.5 walk rate.
Having undergone two Tommy John surgeries in his brief career, Arredondo turns 33 in March and will have have some hurdles to overcome before getting another shot in the majors, however some team will take a shot and likely give him a minor league deal.
After a breakout rookie season in 2008 working out of the Angels bullpen, it was all downhill for Arredondo as batters began waiting him out until they got something down the middle as the book was out on his command and control issues. It’s been a long and winding road for Arredondo over the next eight years.
Arredondo does own some stark reverse splits in his career, holding left-handed batters to a .581 OPS while right-handed hitters tagged him for .759 OPS. So there might be some value there if he can prove to scouts that he can still be effective in a more specialized role. However, that’s a big if.
