MMO will be looking at multiple bargain options that are still available for the Mets this offseason. With Sandy Alderson figuring to have about $10 million left to spend, the Mets best chance to fill holes will be shopping at the dollar store.
Once upon a time, right-handed starter Andrew Cashner was traded by the Chicago Cubs to the San Diego Padres straight up for first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
While we all know that Cashner never became an ace and Rizzo went on to be a stud for the Cubbies, the former has had some decent seasons, including 2017 with the Texas Rangers.
Last year in the Lone Star state, he registered an 11-11 record with a 3.40 ERA, 4.61 FIP, 138 ERA+, 1.320 WHIP and had 4.6 K/9 across 28 starts (166.2 innings pitched). He was also good for 4.6 WAR.
In the past Cashner had demonstrated a high velocity fastball with a devastating slider, but struggled to round out his repertoire as his sinker and changeup laid flat.
He has made some changes in his mechanics over the past calendar year with the Rangers, as he mostly threw a sinker and relied less on his fastball. While his K/9 was a career low, his BABIP (.266) was one of the lowest in baseball, he had success by recording a ground ball rate of 48.6 percent and a hard contact rate of 28.4 percent.
Cashner is an interesting candidate. His 2017 season was solid, but he hasn’t been a highly sought commodity on the open market. I’m sure his low strikeout rate and high FIP and xFIP (5.30), have scared some teams away.
However, bringing him into the fold would help lengthen the Mets rotation and give the team a serviceable back end, No. 5 type pitcher. If he can be had on a team friendly deal this offseason, it would be great to see New York pounce.
