If you thought the Mets’ offseason was essentially done after the recent additions of LHP Antonio Bastardo and outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, not so fast.
During the BBWAA Dinner in Manhattan on Saturday night, a team source told Mike Puma of the New York Post that the Mets may not be finished adding to the bullpen.
After signing Bastardo to a two year deal worth $12 million dollars, I assumed it essentially wrapped up any unfinished business in the bullpen so this is kind of surprising to me.
I currently configure the Mets Opening Day bullpen as follows:
Jeurys Familia – Closer
Antonio Bastardo – LHP
Addison Reed – RHP
Hansel Robles – RHP
Jerry Blevins – LHP
Erik Goeddel – RHP
And one of Jim Henderson, Josh Smoker, Dario Alvarez and Akeel Morris for that final spot. Remember that the Mets designated Carlos Torres for assignment to make room for Bastardo.
Other potential options include Josh Edgin and Jenrry Mejia, but neither of them are expected back until later in the season. Additionally, Rafael Montero, Sean Gilmartin and Logan Verrett are each ticketed to begin the season in the starting rotation for Las Vegas from what I’m hearing.
Now if what Puma was told is true, it clearly illustrates how committed the front office is to fielding the strongest team possible to begin the season. A refreshing and exciting prospect to say the least.
Potential relief options that can upgrade that sixth or seventh spot could include the Mets circling back on Tyler Clippard or Tommy Hunter whom have both been on their radar this offseason at various times. One other right-hander I really like is the less talked about Ryan Webb.
Webb, 30, had a fine season for the Cleveland Indians in 2015, posting a 3.20 ERA and 1.145 WHIP over 50.2 innings pitched. His strikeout rate was just 5.5 per nine innings but he’s always had good control, posting a 2.1 BB/9 and 2.58 K/BB for the Tribe and he has a great groundball rate.
Anyway, I’m ecstatic to see the Mets taking such an aggressive approach this offseason – which in my opinion rates an A+ and ranks among their best Winters ever over the last two decades. Their strategy this offseason reminds me of a lyric in a classic Simon and Garfunkel song, El Condor Pasa.
“I’d rather be a hammer than a nail. Yes I would, if I could, I surely would.”
I hope you’re all safe and warm and enjoying the weekend. Thanks for all your kind thoughts over the last two weeks and Let’s Go Mets.
https://youtu.be/oNX3dMiaTEc
