As relievers continue to go off the market, the Mets own free agent, Jerry Blevins remains to be one of the best available.
Blevins, 33, is said to be searching for a three-year deal from suitors. Based upon the current deals we have been seeing this offseason, it not too far fetched to believe he will be able to achieve this.
This offseason has seen Brett Cecil sign a four-year deal worth $30.5 million with the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as Mike Dunn recently signing a three-year deal with the Colorado Rockies for $19 million. An argument can be made that Blevins should be right up there with both of these guys, especially Dunn who he outperforms.
It seems only a matter of time before Blevins is able to get the contract he feels he deserves as relievers are beginning to cash in. The Mets now need to make a decision if retaining Blevins is for them or if they will continue to shop on the bottom of the barrel for relief help.
Mets General Manager, Sandy Alderson, has been very open on not wanting to give a two-year deal to a relief pitcher as he just feels they do not seem to work out. In many cases he is very right, but the market is dictating a new trend on relievers, one he may need to adapt to.
Blevins was as steady as they come in 2016, pitching to a 2.79 ERA over 73 appearances. The southpaw accumulated 42 innings while pitching to a WHIP of 1.21. He had success against both right-handed and left-handed hitters, while at times just being used against lefties.
He has certainly made his case of being deserving of the contract he seeks, ultimately I feel it’s tough to say if he will or will not get it. As time continues to tick by, it will become less likely that he does and maybe the Mets are waiting him out at this point.
The Mets have made no secret that the bullpen is their biggest area of need left on their shopping list. They have been looking at other relievers as well but as they continue to get knocked off the board one by one, Blevins may end up their best option.
