Jul 4, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (26) pitches during a workout at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Mets continue to seek additional starting rotation help.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Mets along with the Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox have interest in former Atlanta Brave, Mike Foltynewicz.
The right-hander recently threw in front of teams at Georgia Tech. Heyman tweeted on Saturday that Foltynewicz appeared to be in fine shape, but was topping out in the 90-92 mph range. From 2014-20, he averaged closer to 95 mph.
The 29-year-old pitched in just one game in 2020 and was roughed up to the tune of six runs and three long balls in just 3.1 innings. Shortly thereafter, Foltynewicz was designated for assignment and subsequently outrighted to the team’s alternate site. At season’s end, he became a free agent.
The Illinois native has spent a large chunk of his MLB career with the Braves, after debuting with the Houston Astros in 2014.
Foltynewicz had a rough 2019, but in 2018 was worth 3.8 fWAR pitching out of Atlanta’s rotation.
New York’s rotation at the current moment is more or less set, but on a minor league deal, Foltynewicz’s services would bolster the team’s depth, which coming into the winter was severely depleted.
The seven-year MLB veteran owns a career 4.33 ERA and identical FIP, as well as a 4.35 xFIP.
Foltynewicz is represented by Excel Sports Management.
