On Twitter, Adam Rubin of ESPN said the Mets want to bring back veteran lefty reliever Jerry Blevins.
He goes on to say that the Mets will “slow-play” his market, so as to see what other spending the Mets do in the meantime.
Originally signed as a lefty specialist, Blevins, 33, was far more successful against right-handed batters in 2016, holding them to a .182/.266/.345 slash line and striking out 17 in 55 at bats. Conversely, lefties slashed .255/.313/.324 off him in 102 at bats.
Original Report – Nov 2
Adam Rubin of ESPN New York hears that the Mets would like to retain pending free agent lefty reliever Jerry Blevins, but they expect him to get a sizable multiyear offer elsewhere which Rubin believes will price the Mets out.
Blevins, 33, had himself a solid season overall but tired a little at the end after appearing in a career high 73 games for the Mets.
In 42 innings pitched, he finished with a solid 2.79 ERA and 1.21 WHIP while striking out 52 and walking 15, three of them intentional.
Blevins has held left-handed batters to a .214 average and .266 OBP in his career, but had a mild case of reverse splits last season.
Other left-handed relievers the Mets have on the 40-man roster are Josh Edgin, Sean Gilmartin, and Josh Smoker.
Options available in free agency include Brett Cecil (30), Felix Doubront (29), Mike Dunn (32), Dana Eveland (33), J.P. Howell (34), Kyle Lobstein (27), Boone Logan (32), Javier Lopez (39), Marc Rzepczynski (31), Matt Thornton (40) and Travis Wood (30).
