The Mets have competition in attempting to re-sign LaTroy Hawkins, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
The Colorado Rockies are among the teams pursuing the free-agent reliever, according to a source. Still, that does not mean that Colorado is a likely landing spot.
I have a hunch that while some teams may be jumping on his bandwagon, ultimately Hawkins will re-sign with the Mets.
Original Post 11/6
Kristie Ackert of the Daily News is reporting that LaTroy Hawkins, undoubtedly one of the best free agent signings of the 2013 season for the Mets, is very close to re-signing with the team.
Hawkins emerged as one of the most reliable relievers in the Mets’ bullpen and eventually took over as the team’s closer once Bobby Parnell was lost for the season.
A source close to the situation told Ackert that a deal with the veteran reliever is likely to get done.
No numbers have been seriously discussed yet, but Sandy Alderson made the call to Hawkins’ representatives, the source said.
“Sandy usually makes the call when they are getting close to make a deal,” a baseball source said of the Mets general manager. “Usually at the beginning they have other guys making the call. It’s a sign that they are serious about this.”
In 72 appearances spanning 70.2 innings, Hawkins posted a 2.93 ERA and 1.14 WHIP to go with 55 strikeouts while walking just ten batters.
Given the uncertainty of whether Parnell will be 100% ready for Spring Training, bringing Hawkins back for an encore is an excellent idea.
After signing a one-year, $1 million dollar minor league contract last January, the odds seemed long for Hawkins to break camp with the Mets. Now it’s difficult to imagine the bullpen without him.
Hawkins has always maintained his interest in returning to the Mets and told Ackert that his wife and daughter enjoy living in New York.
