Following the New York Mets’ signing of free-agent starting pitcher Taijuan Walker on Friday, it is fair to question whether or not the Amazins’ are done adding to their roster.
However, a source tells Metsmerized that the Mets have indeed checked in on free-agent relief pitcher Shane Greene recently, as well.
Tough to say whether the #Mets will make another move after signing Walker, but I have been told that they did check in on free-agent relief pitcher Shane Greene recently
The 32-year-old was an All-Star back in 2019 and has posted a combined 2.39 ERA the last 2 yrs
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) February 19, 2021
After missing out on relief pitcher Trevor Rosenthal, who signed with the Oakland Athletics on a one-year deal worth $11 million, the Mets still have a hole in the backend of their bullpen as Seth Lugo is expected to be sidelined until mid-May.
While there are not many options left on the market, the Amazins’ have shown interest in the best remaining candidates in veteran right-hander Jeremy Jeffress, in addition to Greene.
The 32-year-old Greene was an All-Star back in 2019 and has pitched to a 2.39 ERA for the Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves over the past two seasons.
In Lugo’s absence, Greene would fill in as a setup man and has vast closing experience with 66 career saves.
The Mets are currently about $13 million under the luxury tax after bringing in Walker and also still need to make room on their 40-man roster for both Walker and Kevin Pillar. This is expected to come via placing Lugo and Noah Syndergaard (Tommy John surgery) on the 60-day I.L. to start the year.
If they were to add another player on a major league deal, it would require additional maneuvering to their 40-man roster in order to clear a spot, which may be tricky.
Obviously, the Mets were unable to find a trade partner for veteran right-handers’ Jeurys Familia ($11 million) and Dellin Betances ($6 million option) this offseason given their contracts.
Regardless, it all depends on the Mets’ willingness to exceed the $210 million luxury tax threshold as the season progresses as there is a chance they may be in need of acquiring outside help before the trade deadline in July.
This could play a significant factor in their decision making despite having a bullpen, which at the moment, contains several question marks after the loss of Lugo.
