Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets have done well to keep their bullpen strong this offseason. In addition to re-signing Edwin Díaz and Adam Ottavino, the team brought in veteran David Robertson, as well as lefty Brooks Raley from Tampa Bay. Additionally, the team has bolstered its depth by acquiring several lower-level relievers like Elieser Hernández and Zach Greene.

The Mets, as it stands, should have a competitive bullpen, but you can never have too many arms. To account for injuries, possible regression from some players, and the loss of Seth Lugo and Trevor May, the Mets may look to add another reliever or too before the start of the season.  In fact, Billy Eppler said on Tuesday that the Mets were “engaged” in the free agent bullpen market.

Here are some of the players the Mets could still target at this point in the offseason.

Zack Britton

The Mets have been linked to former Orioles closer Zack Britton for much of the offseason. Britton, who previously played for Buck Showalter in Baltimore, is not the dominant force he once was and has pitched just 38 innings since 2020, but could still provide value in the right situation. The Mets would be hoping Britton can return to health and rediscover his old form.

Michael Fulmer

Former Mets prospect Michael Fulmer would be a solid pickup to bolster the New York bullpen. Fulmer transitioned from a starting pitching role into a relief one in 2021 and has turned his career around. Fulmer pitched to a 3.39 ERA last season with the Tigers and Twins and was even better in the 2021 season. Fulmer is also still only 29-years-old.

Andrew Chafin

Many thought Andrew Chafin would be an option for the Mets last season, but they ended up trading for Joely Rodriguez to serve as the team’s lefty instead to poor results. Chafin was his usually solid self in Detroit last season pitching to a 2.83 ERA while walking 19 and striking out 67. Chafin is one of the most realistic options for the Mets, and Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Wednesday that New York was among the teams interested.

Brad Hand

Former Met Brad Hand was a solid contributor to the Phillies bullpen last season but is still without a home for the 2023 season. Hand was impressive in his short stint in Queens in 2021 and is a veteran lefty with late-inning experience. Hand compiled a 2.80 ERA last season in Philly with an ERA+ of 146.

Will Smith

Just two years ago, Will Smith saved 37 games for the World Series champion Braves. Last season was a step down for Smith, though he did win his second straight championship after being traded to the Astros for Jake Odorizzi. Smith pitched in 65 total games a year ago with a 3.97 ERA and a 102 ERA+.

Aroldis Chapman

Seeing Aroldis Chapman in blue and orange would be bizarre, and his off-the-field history alone could be reason enough for the Mets to steer clear. Still, while Chapman is far from the pitcher he was when he signed a five-year, $86 million deal with the Yankees, he could still prove to be an effective reliever if he rediscovers his stuff, and his confidence.

Corey Knebel

Corey Knebel was the Phillies closer early in the 2022 season but he suffered through numerous injuries and ended up missing the entire postseason run. Knebel is a buy-low option who may not even be healthy for the start of the season but could come in handy if he can stay on the field later in the season.

Alex Colomé

Alex Colomé didn’t exactly have a career year last season in Colorado, pitching to a 5.74 ERA in 47 innings. Still, he may be worth taking a flyer on. Colomé had a 0.81 ERA in the shortened 2020 season for the White Sox and has saved as many as 37 games in his career. It’s possible he’s in line for a bounceback season once he gets away from Coors Field and would make for a solid middle-innings option for Epplerand the Mets.

Other

Aside from the names listed, other options include Ian Kennedy, Trevor Rosenthal, Alex Reyes, Archie Bradley, Matt Moore, Justin Wilson, and Bryan Shaw.

The post Bullpen Arms Still Available in Free Agency appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Jacob deGrom started off Saturday’s game against the Phillies dominating and Edwin Díaz closed out the shutout. He earned his 200^th career save. In doing so, the Mets extended their lead over Philadelphia to 10.5 games. The lead over Atlanta is 5.5 games.

Latest Mets News

Per SNY’s Jacob Resnick, Tommy Hunter is scheduled to be with Double-A Binghamton on a rehab assignment. This after being placed on the injured list with back tightness back on August 6th.

Michael Mayer of Metsmerized noted on Twitter Saturday night that Jacob deGrom set a major-league record with 22 straight home starts without allowing more than two earned runs in each of those 22 starts.

The Mets’ attendance Saturday night at Citi Field was 43,857, the largest crowd of the 2022 season (37 more fans than the home opener).

Edwin Díaz recorded his 200^th career save.

Latest MLB News

According to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox selected former Met Jeurys Familia to the active roster and optioned pitcher Kaleb Ort.

Per Chris McCosky of the Detroit News, Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Tarik Skubal will be seeing a doctor Monday for the elbow issue he is dealing with. He is expected to miss the rest of the season.

According to Danielle Allentuck of the Denver Gazette, the Colorado Rockies placed relief pitcher Alex Colome on the injured list with right lateral epicondylitis. Justin Lawrence was their corresponding roster transaction.

Latest on MMO

Sam Klein recapped the Mets’ minor league affiliate games from Friday, August 12th, which included Jose Butto’s Triple-A Syracuse debut.

Dan Quinones discussed the question of whether Francisco Lindor should be an MVP candidate.

Andrew Steele-Davis recapped Max Scherzer’s solid start from Friday, August 12th that started shaky, but ended strong.

Mojo Hill looked at Adam Ottavino’s recent successes on the mound.

Mojo Hill talked about the Mets’ signing of Travis Jankowski to a minor league deal.

Mojo Hill discussed some Mets’ injured list updates that includes news that Tylor Megill and Drew Smith are expected to throw soon.

Nick Rucco recapped the Mets’ 1-0 win over the Phillies as deGrom out-dueled Aaron Nola. DeGrom struck out 10 in six innings of work on Saturday night.

On This Date in Mets History

2005: Pedro Martinez took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers before giving up a triple to Antonio Perez to end the no-hit bid.

Birthdays: McKay Christensen (47), Eric Cammack (47)

The post Morning Briefing: Edwin Díaz Picks Up 200th Career Save appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Let’s check out what went on with the Amazins’ and the rest of major league baseball on Wednesday!

Latest Mets News

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets have shown interest in free-agent Marwin Gonzalez.

The Mets are reportedly showing significant interest in left-handed 40-year-old pitcher Rich Hill, per WEEI.

As Mike Puma of The New York Post noted, it’s hard to pinpoint where the Mets and Jackie Bradley Jr. are in talks, but JBJ is reportedly seeking a significant contract of up to four-years or more.

The Mets and third baseman J.D. Davis held the first arbitration zoom case ever with the Mets arguing $2.1 million and Davis looking for $2.475 million, per MLB insider Jon Heyman.

The Baseball Night in New York crew talked potential contract extensions for Francisco Lindor and Michael Conforto.

Latest MLB News

The Milwaukee Brewers signed free-agent second baseman Kolten Wong to a two-year, $18 million contract, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The Baltimore Orioles have signed former dominant ace and Cy Young award winner Felix Hernandez to a minor league deal, per MLB Insider Jon Heyman.

As Heyman also reported, relief pitcher Alex Colome is going to the Minnesota Twins on a one-year deal plus an option. Dan Hayes of The Athletic was on the details first: $5.5 million in 2021.

According to Rosenthal, reliever Joakim Soria is signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

While the expectation is that he will return to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest in free-agent 38-year-old catcher Yadier Molina, according to Heyman.

Latest NL East News

Veteran outfielder Gerardo Parra is going back to the Washington Nationals as a non-roster invitee to spring training, per Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post.

The Philadelphia Phillies and Chase Anderson have agreed to a deal, per Fansided’s Robert Murray.

Looking to solidify their bench, the Phillies have checked in on Shin-Soo Choo, Marwin Gonzalez and Brad Miller, per Heyman.

Latest on MMO

The Los Angeles Angels claimed infielder Robel Garcia off waivers from the Mets, story by Alexis Farinacci of MMO.

Ryan Finkelstein took a look at Mets right-handed reliever and lefty-specialist Jacob Barnes.

On This Day in Mets History

Birthdays: Jeff Gardner (57)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Schedule First Full-Squad Workout appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets have had one of the busier offseasons in Major League Baseball under the first year of the Steve Cohen era in Queens.

While Cohen has the ability to outspend any other team and does not necessarily need to worry about the luxury tax threshold, Cohen is not planning on simply overspending to sign all the top free agents.

“As a fan they want me to sign everybody tomorrow, but is that a sustainable strategy?” Cohen said in a Dec. 23 interview with Howie Rose. “Ultimately you want to develop talent. You want to develop your farm system. To me that is the most sustainable way to create a winning team year in and year out.”

The Mets have about $32.2 million before the luxury tax (something Jared Porter said isn’t a hard line) and 73 days remaining until Opening Day. With all that in mind, it’s unrealistic to expect the team to fill the rest of the team’s weaker positions with the top talent in baseball.

That begs the question of which position should be the number one priority for Cohen, Porter and Sandy Alderson.

Four areas the Mets could seek to improve on based on the performance in 2020 are the rotation, third base, center field and bullpen. Which is the most important?

Starting Rotation

The answer to this question at the beginning of the offseason would have been rotation. In the shortened 2020 campaign, the Mets suffered from one of the weakest rotations they’ve had in years.

While Jacob deGrom was still one of MLB’s top pitchers, there was a clear drop off after his spot in the rotation.

David Peterson quickly went from not being in the Mets’ rotational plans to being their second-best starter in the rotation. However, after Peterson was an even bigger drop off.

Twenty-nine of the remaining 39 games were started by Rick Porcello, Michael Wacha, Steven Matz and Robert Gsellman, who combined for a 0.8 fWAR and -1.6 bWAR across all their appearances in 2019 (29 starts and six relief appearances).

While there would be a lot to worry about in regards to their starting pitching if that was how the rotation was going to look come Opening Day, there have been some improvements.

The rotation was first improved when Marcus Stroman, who opted out of the 2020 season, returned to the team on a qualifying offer. The rotation also got some help a couple of weeks ago when Mets acquired Carlos Carrasco in their blockbuster trade with Cleveland.

While the rotation may not be considered a strength compared to years past, it’s no longer a glaring weakness. DeGrom, Carrasco, Stroman and Peterson are a good 1-2-3-4 combo. A question still remains around Matz who suffered the worst season of his career in 2020. However, in the event Matz cannot hold the fifth spot, they’d hopefully only need to patch it until Noah Syndergaard returns in the summer.

The Mets rotation could benefit from signing another affordable starter to help the fifth starter position, but it’s not the team’s biggest priority.

Third Base

The Mets could use an upgrade at third base, but it should not be their biggest priority either.

J.D. Davis was a fan favorite in his first season with the Mets in 2019 as he surprisingly became a productive bat in their order.

Davis hit .307/,369/.527 with 65 runs scored, 22 doubles, 22 home runs and 57 RBIs in 140 games. However, he was only worth a 2.4 fWAR and 1.0 bWAR due to his struggles on the defensive side of the ball.

In 2020, Davis took a step back offensively as he hit .247/.371/.389 with 26 runs scored, nine doubles, six home runs, and 19 RBIs in 56 games. While his defense improved slightly, his overall value took a hit and he finished the season with a 0.5 fWAR and 0.1 bWAR.

In an ideal world, the Mets would sign a third baseman who can have success on both sides of the ball. However, when one considers the Mets’ other needs, their current lineup strength and the already improved infield defense with the additions of Francisco Lindor and James McCann, they can survive with Davis at third.

If his defense becomes a big issue, they have the option of moving Jeff McNeil to third and Luis Guillorme to second to really solidify the infield defense.

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Center Field

Signing George Springer has been at the top of many Mets fans’ wish lists this offseason.

Springer would give the Mets one of the most feared offenses in the game, especially after the acquisition of Lindor. Furthermore his presence would have a domino effect on their defense as it would give them a bonafide center fielder and allow Brandon Nimmo to move from center to left where he plays better defense.

However, after acquiring Lindor, thoughts on Springer have been split. Some Mets fans would rather see the Mets allocate their addition funds on multiple smaller signings, while others would still like to see Springer in orange and blue despite the implications it would have on the payroll.

Signing Springer now would almost definitely put the Mets over the luxury tax threshold. While it’s not the be all, end all with Cohen as owner (especially since it would only be a first-time overage), that would put the Mets in a precarious situation if they want to extend the likes of Lindor and Michael Conforto.

It also remains to be seen how big of a domino effect signing Springer would actually have on the team’s defense with the lack of clarity on MLB’s 2021 rules. As of now, teams have been told to prepare for the season without the universal designated hitter. While it’s still possible for a universal DH to be implemented for the 2021 season, there are no guarantees.

Without a universal DH, the Mets would have Nimmo in center, Dominic Smith in left and Pete Alonso at first. However, if the Mets sign Springer while there is no universal DH, that would push either Nimmo, Smith or Alonso to the bench barring any trades.

Similar to the rotation, a few weeks ago this would be one of the top priorities. However, after the Lindor trade, center field becomes a little bit more bearable.

Bullpen

The Mets biggest priority as they finish out the offseason should be their bullpen.

In 2020 the Mets bullpen was slightly below average. Mets relievers combined for a 4.60 ERA (ranked ninth in the NL and 18th in MLB), 1.45 WHIP (ranked 10th in the NL and 21 in MLB), and 10.03 K/9 (ranked fifth in the NL and eighth in MLB).

As a whole, the bullpen had the potential to be better, but since the rotation was in dire need, the Mets moved Seth Lugo from the pen where he dominates, to the rotation where he’s had his share of ups and downs.

Both Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia were projected for bounce back seasons. Diaz had a strong season, while Familia continued his struggles. With Seth Lugo likely back in the mix full time, it should help take some pressure off both, but it would be tough to completely count on either.

Even moreso of a question mark than Diaz or Familia is Dellin Betances. He had the worst season of his career in 2020, but it was also his first real action since 2018 (besides the 2/3 innings he pitched in 2019). If he can bounce back at all in 2021, it would be a big boost for the Mets bullpen, but he’s another pitcher they can’t have high expectations for.

The Mets are also losing two of their better relievers in 2019 with the likes of Justin Wilson and Erasmo Ramirez. Both gave the Mets some solid innings out of the pen in 2020 and now those innings will have to be allocated elsewhere. While the Mets’ signing of Trevor May helps partially fill that void, he could use some help.

Addressing the bullpen is the Mets’ biggest need right now due to the changes from last season and all the questions surrounding it. The Mets bullpen wasn’t horrible in 2020, but they also had the luxury of expanded rosters to mix, match and patch where needed. They won’t have that luxury in 2020 and to set high expectations for Familia, Diaz and Betances would be unwise.

The Mets were reported to be close to reaching a deal with Brad Hand on Friday. That did not come to fruition, but the Mets should absolutely pursue him. If they can sign him for MLB Trade Rumors’ projection of two years and $16 million, they could also go after a slightly more affordable reliever like Alex Colome (projected one-year, $6 million deal by MLB Trade Rumors) to finish off the pen.

Those two moves would potentially leave them with about $8 million in luxury tax space which they could use to sign Jackie Bradley Jr. (projected two-year, $16 million deal by MLB Trade Rumors) to play center and complete their offseason strong.

The post What Position Should The Mets Prioritize To Finish The Offseason? appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Aug 22, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Alex Colome (48) throws the ball in the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

The market is picking up for a longtime MLB relief pitcher.

According to MLB Insider Robert Murray, the Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros are in pursuit of right-hander Alex Colome.

Colome, 32, has spent the last two seasons with the Chicago White Sox, after a brief stint with the Seattle Mariners in 2018 and five and a half years with the Tampa Bay Rays.

In the shortened 2020 season, Colome had a 0.81 ERA, 2.97 FIP, 4.26 xFIP, 86.4 percent strand rate and 16 punch outs in 21 games.

During his last full season in 2019, Colome had a 2.80 ERA, 4.08 FIP, 4.61 xFIP, 55 punch outs and 30 saves in 61 innings pitched.

The 32-year-old is a first time free agent and is represented by Republik Sports.

The post MLB News: Multiple Teams Pursuing Alex Colome appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Alex Colome, RHP

B/T: R/R

Age: 31 (Born December 31, 1988)

Primary Stats: 21 G, 22 1/3 IP, 0.81 ERA, 0.940 WHIP, 16 K, 12 SV, 2.00 K/BB, 0.0 HR/9

Advanced Stats: 0.6 fWAR, 1.0 rWAR, 2.97 FIP, 558 ERA+, .200 BABIP, 32.8% Hard Hit Percentage

Rundown

Alex Colome returned to the Chicago White Sox in 2020 as the team’s closer after a successful stint as the team’s closer in 2019. Colome picked up where he left off in 2019 during the shortened 2020 campaign.

As far as keeping runners from scoring, Colome was one of the best relievers in the game in 2020 as he only gave up three runs (two earned) in 21 appearances. His 0.81 ERA was good for third-best in MLB for all pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched. That feat was made possible in part to his .200 BABIP and ability to keep the ball in the yard during all 21 of his appearances.

Repeating those numbers for another 21 appearances would be tough and seemingly impossible over the course of an entire season. Colome’s 2.97 FIP also suggests that he benefited from the good White Sox defense behind him. Having said that, Colome has been a consistently solid reliever since making his major league debut in 2013 and would be nice bullpen addition for any team.

Contract

Colome will start the 2021 season as a 32-year-old coming off a great season with a natural expectation of regression due to some of his advanced stats. MLB Trade Rumors predicts he will sign a one-year, $6 million contract with the White Sox. However, his 2020 numbers when paired with his career consistency could net him more money and/or years this offseason.

Recommendation

The Mets should consider signing Colome, especially if they can sign him for anywhere near the one-year, $6 million projection made by MLB Trade Rumors.

Colome would be a nice balance to have with newly-signed Trevor May who the Mets signed to a two-year, $15.5 million contract. May is a pitcher who is rated higher than Colome by some due to his velocity, strikeout rate and good analytical stats.

While May was signed at his rate due in part to the expectations that he will take some steps forward in 2021, Colome could potentially be signed at an even more affordable rate since he may be viewed by many teams as a pitcher who will regress.

When considering his career consistency, even a rather sizable regression from Colome after his 2020 campaign would still likely equate in him being a serviceable reliever in 2021.

The post MMO Free Agent Profile: Alex Colome, RHP appeared first on Metsmerized Online.