Jake McGee, LHP
Position: Relief Pitcher
Throws/Bats: Left/Left
Born: Aug. 6, 1986 (Age 31)
2017 Stats: 0-2 record, 57.1 IP, 3.61 ERA, 1.099 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 2.93 FIP, 139 ERA+, 1.4 WAR
The bullpen is one of the key areas that the Mets need to focus on this offseason. With the addition of AJ Ramos and return of Jerry Blevins, the team is looking to revamp their bullpen.
Jake McGee has spent his seven years in the major leagues playing in Tampa Bay and most recently, Colorado. With a career ERA of 3.15, McGee seems to be a reasonable option for the Mets to consider.
His 2017 season went by smoothly and the lefty racked up 58 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched while allowing only four home runs. The long ball seems to plague the Mets bullpen and picking up a pitcher that rarely lets balls leave the park would give a small sense of security. With a 2.68 ERA, McGee was noticeably better against righties. With Blevins as a lefty specialist, the two could create a beautiful platoon.
McGee ranked 14th in the National League for holds last season and could fit right into a middleman position with the Mets. Despite having to pitch at Coors for a living, McGee is coming off one of the better seasons of his career. His 1.4 WAR was his best since 2014 and his third best in eight seasons. His 2017 production has him sitting at a good place in free agency.
The Mets need to bring in a fresh arm to help relieve the pressure of the bullpen, and McGee could very well fill that spot.
Contract:
McGee is coming off of a one-year, $5 million contract. With his age and stats, you can expect him to be receiving offers around that mark, or less, depending on the team that decides to pick him up.
Recommendation:
The Mets have a few different bullpen options, but past seasons have shown that their pitching staff as a whole could use as much help as possible. McGee can be of use in different situations in the bullpen and give more security to a key piece of the equation for a winning team.
