Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen has identified the bullpen as one of the areas the team needs to address this offseason. According to Andy Martino of SNY, one of the players the Mets will target is RHP Dellin Betances.
Betances, 31, is coming off an injury plagued 2019 season where he pitched just 0.2 innings. During the year, Betances dealt with a bone spur and impingement in his throwing shoulder, a lat strain, and finally a partially torn Achilles tendon.
With respect to the tendon injury, it was determined Betances did not need surgery to repair the injury. Instead, he only needed rehab. Despite the injury, it is anticipated he will be ready by Spring Training.
Due to the injury, it should be an interesting market for Betances. When he’s fully healthy, he is one of the best relievers in baseball.
From 2014 – 2018, Betances made four All-Star teams. In his 349 appearances, he had a 2.22 ERA with a 1.018 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9, and a 14.6 K/9.
Over that time frame, he had the fifth most appearances in the majors with the most innings pitched. He also led all right-handed relievers in holds, and his 607 strikeouts were more than 100 more than the second best reliever.
Overall, 11.2 fWAR ranked second, and his 2.26 FIP was fourth best.
With numbers like these, you can see why teams like the Mets would be interested. Still, it is a gamble to sign him. Not only are teams unsure of his tendon injury, but it is also difficult to ascertain how much his shoulder can respond to his typical workload.
