Jim Owens-USA TODAY Sports
If you thought the Mets last hope of bolstering their bullpen this offseason relied heavily on signing Trevor Rosenthal — think again.
According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, in addition to Rosenthal, the Mets are also showing interest in 33-year-old right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress, as well.
Coming off a rough 2019 campaign, where he posted an ERA of 5.02 for the Milwaukee Brewers, Jeffress would bounce back with the Cubs last season pitching to a 1.54 ERA and 0.943 WHIP while holding opposing hitters to a .137 batting average in 23.1 innings.
Jeffress’ best season as a big leaguer came back in 2018, where he made his lone All-Star appearance and went 8-1 with a 1.29 ERA, 2.78 FIP and 0.991 WHIP. The 11-year veteran was also 6th in the National League with eight saves and set a career-high with 89 strikeouts in 76.2 innings during that season.
With Seth Lugo out for an extended period of time after undergoing surgery on Tuesday for a loose body in his throwing elbow, this leaves a gaping hole in the Mets bullpen and Jeffress could be a solid plan B option with closing experience (52 career saves) if they miss out on Rosenthal.
As spring training begins, the Mets bullpen is a weak spot on their roster and it would be fair to anticipate a move or two being made to enhance the pitching staff before the season starts.
Stay tuned as Metsmerized will have you covered on further developments!
