Alex Colome, RHP

B/T: R/R

Age: 31 (Born December 31, 1988)

Primary Stats: 21 G, 22 1/3 IP, 0.81 ERA, 0.940 WHIP, 16 K, 12 SV, 2.00 K/BB, 0.0 HR/9

Advanced Stats: 0.6 fWAR, 1.0 rWAR, 2.97 FIP, 558 ERA+, .200 BABIP, 32.8% Hard Hit Percentage

Rundown

Alex Colome returned to the Chicago White Sox in 2020 as the team’s closer after a successful stint as the team’s closer in 2019. Colome picked up where he left off in 2019 during the shortened 2020 campaign.

As far as keeping runners from scoring, Colome was one of the best relievers in the game in 2020 as he only gave up three runs (two earned) in 21 appearances. His 0.81 ERA was good for third-best in MLB for all pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched. That feat was made possible in part to his .200 BABIP and ability to keep the ball in the yard during all 21 of his appearances.

Repeating those numbers for another 21 appearances would be tough and seemingly impossible over the course of an entire season. Colome’s 2.97 FIP also suggests that he benefited from the good White Sox defense behind him. Having said that, Colome has been a consistently solid reliever since making his major league debut in 2013 and would be nice bullpen addition for any team.

Contract

Colome will start the 2021 season as a 32-year-old coming off a great season with a natural expectation of regression due to some of his advanced stats. MLB Trade Rumors predicts he will sign a one-year, $6 million contract with the White Sox. However, his 2020 numbers when paired with his career consistency could net him more money and/or years this offseason.

Recommendation

The Mets should consider signing Colome, especially if they can sign him for anywhere near the one-year, $6 million projection made by MLB Trade Rumors.

Colome would be a nice balance to have with newly-signed Trevor May who the Mets signed to a two-year, $15.5 million contract. May is a pitcher who is rated higher than Colome by some due to his velocity, strikeout rate and good analytical stats.

While May was signed at his rate due in part to the expectations that he will take some steps forward in 2021, Colome could potentially be signed at an even more affordable rate since he may be viewed by many teams as a pitcher who will regress.

When considering his career consistency, even a rather sizable regression from Colome after his 2020 campaign would still likely equate in him being a serviceable reliever in 2021.