With that being said, the Mets should look to add at least one left-handed reliever free agent. There are luckily several strong options on the market that will likely not cost a ton. Below are a few of those options that should intrigue president of baseball operations, David Stearns, and his staff.

Caleb Thielbar

Outside of a lackluster 2024 (5.32 ERA), Caleb Thielbar has been quietly one of the most consistent left-handed relief pitchers in the league. Last season may have been his most impressive, at least since a breakout 2021 season (3.23 ERA across 64 innings).

Thielbar posted a 2.64 ERA and allowed only 38 hits over 58 innings for the Chicago Cubs. The 38-year-old has posted an ERA below 3.49 in every season since 2020 except the aforementioned 2024 year. The underlying metrics back up the often strong traditional numbers, as specifically, last season, he ranked above the league’s 85th percentile in xERA, xBA, chase rate, walk rate, and hard-hit rate.

At his age, a one-year deal would likely get it done. He likely would only cost a minimal price tag as well.

Drew Pomeranz

Another Chicago Cub in 2025, Drew Pomeranz made his return to the big leagues last season. Across 57 games and 49 2/3 innings, the 36-year-old posted a 2.17 ERA and 57 strikeouts. The underlying metrics were strong as well, as he ranked above the league’s 72nd percentile in xERA, xBA, and strikeout rate. He also did a good job limiting walks, with a 7.4% walk rate which ranked in the 63rd percentile.

Pomeranz did not pitch in the big leagues from 2022 through 2024 as he tried to work his way back from left elbow surgery. In both 2020 and 2021, albeit a limited sample, the veteran lefty had a sub 2.00 ERA with San Diego. With the 2025 performance, Pomeranz has a 2.20 ERA or less in each of his last three seasons. He would be another pitcher likely slated for a one-year deal in free agency.

Andrew Chafin

Andrew Chafin pitched for two different clubs in 2025 and it culminated in his lowest ERA since his career-best 2021 season. Across 33 2/3 innings with Washington and Los Angeles (American League), he posted a 2.41 ERA with 36 strikeouts. His only issue in 2025 was recurring stints on the injured list. All the underlying metrics, albeit in a smaller sample, were elite in 2025 as well.

Chafin has a long track record of success. Across his 12 season big-league career, he has a 3.35 ERA. The veteran has pitched for eight different teams. As you want with any southpaw pitcher, Chafin is his best against left-handed hitting. Throughout his career, lefties are hitting .136 with a .454 OPS against Chafin.

The post Three Reliable Left-Handed Relief Free Agent Options appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Position: RP  B/T: R/L

Age: 34 (06/17/1990)

2024 Traditional Stats: 62 G, 56 1/3 IP, 3.51 ERA, 1.473 WHIP, 4-3, 70 SO, 31 BB

2024 Advanced Stats: 116 ERA+, 28.5 K%, 12.6 BB%, 3.59 xERA, 3.54 FIP, 3.94 xFIP, 0.4 fWAR

Rundown

Andrew Chafin has long been a rumored Mets target, and for good reason. The 34-year-old has cemented his status as one of baseball’s premier, and most reliable, left-handed relievers dating back to his initial tenure with the Arizona Diamondbacks at the start of his career.

The No. 43 overall pick out of Kent State University in 2011, Chafin was a starter in Arizona’s system up through his call-up to the majors in 2014, when he made three outings in that role. He transitioned to the bullpen during the 2015 campaign and flourished, posting a 2.76 ERA with a 3.35 FIP and 58 strikeouts over 75 innings. The southpaw saw his numbers decline in 2016 with a 6.75 ERA across 32 appearances (22 2/3 frames), though he quickly bounced back by brandishing a 3.46 ERA and 3.11 FIP in 225 contests from 2017 to 2019.

Chafin was dealt to the Chicago Cubs in the middle of the 2020 season and would later become a hot commodity at the 2021 deadline after sporting a dazzling 2.06 ERA over 39 1/3 innings that season. The Oakland Athletics made the winning offer for his services, and while the club failed to reach the playoffs, he remained at the top of his game with a 1.53 ERA in 29 1/3 frames.

The Detroit Tigers rewarded Chafin’s efforts once he reached free agency with a two-year deal, which included an opt-out after the first season, worth $13 million in March 2022. He put up a 2.83 ERA that year before declining his player option and bolting for the D-Backs on a one-year pact in 2023. Back where it all started, Chafin recorded a modest 4.19 ERA while his FIP sat at 3.11 in 34 1/3 innings. The Milwaukee Brewers would go on to acquire him at the deadline, and it all came crumbling down as he was responsible for an unsightly 5.82 ERA across 17 innings.

Chafin then returned to Detroit for the 2024 season on a one-year contract with a club option for $6.5 million in 2025. He was productive to the tune of a 3.16 ERA over 37 frames, and while the Tigers went on a miracle-esque run to the postseason, they were on the periphery of the race at the time of the deadline and sent him to the Texas Rangers for pitching prospects Chase Lee and Joseph Montalvo.

There, Chafin finished with a 4.19 ERA in 19 1/3 innings and had his option rejected, causing him to hit the open market for a fourth-consecutive offseason.

While he is a soft-tosser, averaging 91.7 miles per hour on his sinker and four-seam fastball, Chafin misses bats at an elite rate. He finished 2024 with chase and whiff percentages of 35.1 and 34.5, respectively, while punching out 11.18 hitters per nine innings.

Chafin’s slider is his go-to weapon, as he throws it 45.8% of the time. The offering limited batters to a .127 average and .186 slugging percentage last season while generating a whiff rate of 54.7%.

Any concerns with his profile would come due to the fact that his ground-ball rate, which currently sits at 48.1% for his career, has dropped below 40% each of the past two years. That won’t sound any alarms quite yet given that Chafin is a sinker-baller who doesn’t allow much hard contact, but it bears watching moving forward.

He also has a combined walks per nine rate of 4.9 in that same stretch after that number landed at 2.7 over 2021 and 2022, which is drastic enough of a downward shift to raise some eyebrows.

Contract

The reliever market is rather saturated, but Chafin should still make out pretty well. While Texas opted not to pay him $6.5 million for next season, he’s shown that there’s still enough gas in the tank in order to command a pay day that’s not too far off from that amount. A one-year contract in the $4 – $6 million range, similar to his prior agreements, feels like a plausible outcome in this case.

Recommendation

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has been somewhat hesitant to hand out guaranteed deals to relievers in free agency, but that area of the roster is in clear need of a few proven arms, especially of the left-handed variety. Danny Young is the only real threat to crack the Opening Day roster among players who fit that criteria at the moment, with recent minor league signee Brandon Waddell perhaps representing the team’s second-best option.

Thus, it makes all the sense in the world for New York to pursue Chafin. Dependable pitchers with long track records don’t grow on trees, and the Mets should pounce on the opportunity to bring him in as they look to make another trip to the postseason.

The post Free Agent Profile: Andrew Chafin, RP appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

With the injury, the Mets are back down to a relatively thin rotation that includes some large question marks. Jose Quintana, who has been much better as of late, still owns an eighth-percentile 5.20 xERA. David Peterson, who somehow owns a 5-0 record, has performed as one of the more luckier starting pitchers in the majors; 5.56 xERA versus 3.14 ERA. Lastly, there is Tylor Megill (5.20 ERA), who was thrusted back into a major-league role after Christian Scott went down with injury, and once again struggled on Saturday.

Couple the current over-performers with the new injury to Senga, and the pre-existing injury and struggles of Scott, the Mets are in desperate need of rotation help if they want to continue their quest for a wild card berth. It appears that the team is fortunately well aware of that as Joel Sherman of the NY Post confirmed that the Mets are now active in the starters’ market. So, as the July 30 MLB trade deadline quickly approaches, where can the Mets turn to for help?

Blake Snell Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Snell

After holding out deep into the free agency, the 2023 Cy Young winner finally settled for a two-year deal worth $62 million with the second year of that deal being a player option. The left-handed Blake Snell then got off to an extremely rough start in 2024, battling a couple different injuries, a late start, and overall struggles on the actual mound when he found himself healthy.

Luckily, it seems as if Snell, finally healthy, is finding his groove. Since returning from injury on July 9, Snell has turned in five starts; 24 innings, eight hits, two runs (0.75 ERA), seven walks, and 30 strikeouts. His season ERA has been lowered from 9.51 to 5.10 over that stretch. The most recent performance, on Saturday, saw Snell strikeout 15 over six scoreless frames.

Looking at his season as a whole, despite the dreadful start, Snell’s analytical profile is still extremely strong. His xERA stands at 3.55, much less than his 5.20 actual figure; signifying he’s experienced some bad luck. He is doing a great job suppressing hard contact (73rd percentile average exit velocity and 90th percentile hard-hit rate) and getting strikeouts via swing-and-misses (71st percentile strikeout rate and 91st percentile whiff rate).

With Snell, there will always be the control issues, and add in the injury woes he has had to start the season, there is quite a bit of risk in acquiring him. However, these last four games cannot be ignored and the analytical profile paints a similar pitcher to what he was in his Cy Young-winning 2023 campaign.

According to Jon Heyman of the NY Post, it appears the Giants are certainly open to moving Snell. With a $30 million player option next season, and the Giants trending toward the need for a rebuild, the question of how much Snell would cost is an interesting one. Especially given how strong he has started to pitch. Another interesting factor; the Mets are already reportedly interested in another Giants player in Michael Conforto.

Jack Flaherty

After battling through injuries the past few seasons, Jack Flaherty has quietly emerged as one of the better starters in the American League for the Detroit Tigers this season. Flaherty’s 2.5 fWAR checks in at 11th in the AL, while his 2.95 ERA is ninth. Across 18 starts, the 28-year-old right-handed starter has tossed 106 2/3 innings posting 133 strikeouts and only 19 walks.

Flaherty’s analytical profile in 2024 is also quite strong. As mentioned above, his ability to strikeout opposing batters has been one of the best in the big leagues. His strikeout rate ranks in the league’s 93rd percentile, thanks in large part to a 94th percentile whiff rate and 78th percentile chase rate. He is not allowing hard contact either; as both his hard-hit rate and average exit velocity against rank in the 72nd percentile. He is doing all this without walking batters; owning a 93rd percentile walk rate.

It has been a terrific bounce-back season for Flaherty, and with his one-year, $14 million deal expiring after season’s end, he is likely to cash in during the offseason. Given the current landscape of the market, Flaherty is likely one of the top starters remaining, this despite being a rental. With the Mets seemingly being tied to left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin every offseason, would a package deal with both Flaherty and Chafin, albeit likely pricey, make sense?

Erick Fedde

Former Washington Nationals pitcher Erick Fedde was once a starting pitcher the Mets were very interested in during the offseason. However, he signed a two-year deal worth $15 million with the Chicago White Sox. This interest has supposedly been reignited as Joel Sherman of the NY Post reported the Mets have indeed checked in on Fedde after the injury to Senga. Given his performance thus far in 2024 with the White Sox, he is one of the more sought out pitchers on the market ahead of the deadline.

Fedde revived his career in Korea as a member of the KBO’s NC Dinos. Fedde captured the KBO’s Choi Dong-won award in 2023, which is equivalent to the Cy Young award. He posted a 20-6 record with a 2.00 ERA over 30 starts and 180 1/3 innings, totaling 209 strikeouts to only 35 walks and 137 hits. These numbers were also good enough to win the KBO’s Triple Crown. He parlayed that success into a two-year deal and a very successful 2024 season, thus far.

After posting a 5.41 ERA across his six-year Washington Nationals career, Fedde has posted a 2.98 ERA across 117 2/3 innings in his return to the majors so far this season. He has allowed only 99 hits to go along with 104 strikeouts. The analytics say that his 2.98 ERA may be a bit deceiving, but the overall picture is still very strong. Fedde ranks above the league’s 60th percentile in xERA, average exit velocity, hard-hit rate, walk rate, and ground ball rate.

Not only is the 31-year-old right-handed starter having a solid season, he is under contract in 2025 for an extremely valuable $7.5 million. Given this, one would assume that any potential trade for Fedde would not come cheap. Maybe, as is the case with some of the others mentioned on this list, the Mets would be interested in packaging him with along with reliever John Brebbia.

Jameson Taillon. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Jameson Taillon

The Chicago Cubs are enduring another subpar season which means they are likely to sell once again. One of their potential chips is starting pitcher Jameson Taillon. Taillon has not only had a strong 2024, but he would also be able to help the Mets beyond this season. The 32-year-old right-handed starter is under contract for $18 million per year through the end of 2026.

The first season of Taillon’s four-year deal with Chicago did not go as planned. He tossed 154 1/3 innings, however, he posted an ERA of 4.84 and FIP of 4.61. Luckily, for the Cubs and the 32-year-old, Taillon has bounced back thus far this season. Through 17 starts, he has posted a 2.96 ERA and 3.77 FIP. These numbers would be the best marks of his career since missing most of the 2019 season and all of 2020.

The analytical profile isn’t as pretty as the traditional numbers paint his season out to be, granted, they’re not bad by any means. His 3.68 xERA is a strong number, but indicates he has experienced some good fortune. The soft-tosser has specifically done a good job of limiting hard contact (69th percentile hard-hit rate) and does not walk batters (89th percentile walk rate). Overall, despite some potential evidence for regression, Taillon has been solid in 2024.

On one hand, acquiring Taillon would not only help the Mets for the remainder of the season, it would also lock down a rotation spot through the end of 2026. However, there is quite a bit of risk associated with acquiring the eight-year veteran. An annual average salary of $18 million is a decent commitment on a 32-year-old pitcher with injury concerns and one who is slightly over-performing in 2024. However, if he can keep the current performances up over the duration of the deal, he can provide great value and lock down a middle rotation spot for the next couple seasons.

Yusei Kikuchi

Yusei Kikuchi has had a very up-and-down major-league career after coming over from Japan in 2019. He owns a career 4.72 ERA, and currently owns a mark three point higher than that (4.75) so far this season. This after a career-year in 2023 where he posted a 3.86 ERA across 167 2/3 innings with a 11-6 record. What may be the most valuable aspect of Kikuchi’s major-league career; his durability. The left-handed starter has thrown at least 100 innings in each of the last four seasons.

Kikuchi’s 3.64 FIP he has posted thus far in 2024 would be the second-best mark of his now six-year career. His xERA of 3.97 further indicates that the 4.75 ERA is a bit deceiving and he has likely been a victim of some tough luck and poor fielding behind him. Further analysis into Kikuchi’s analytical profile paints a pitcher that has been doing a solid job in generating strikeouts (75th percentile) and whiffs (72nd percentile); 130 punch-outs across 115 2/3 innings. The analytical profile overall paints him as a middle-of-the-road starter, which would be upgrades over current Mets Megill, Peterson, Scott, and even Quintana.

The 33-year-old is slated to be a free agent at season’s end, carrying a salary of only $10 million. This will likely lead to him being one of the more sought out starters at the deadline, especially for teams who are looking to buy on a budget. Given this, and the fact that the Mets’ rotation currently features three left-handed starters, the team may want to go a different route. However, if they chose to deal for the Japanese starter, he would be an instant upgrade over several current options in the rotation.

Final Thoughts

After hitting what seemed like rock bottom earlier in the year at 22-33, the New York Mets are poised to contend for one of the three wild card spots for the remainder of the 2024 season. This puts president of baseball operations David Stearns in an extremely interesting spot. All of a sudden, the team is poised to be a buyer rather than seller. Something that appeared to be an outlandish proposition just months ago, and is not really in line with how the team’s timeline forecasted entering the season.

For those reasons, Stearns would be wise to not “over-buy” and potentially compromise the ultimate goal of building a sustained winner through a strong farm system. If that is possible to keep that mindset while acquiring any of the five mentioned above, the Mets would be a lot better for it.

Of course, it is much easier said than done, especially with some of the names out there (likely Snell), however, that is what the excitement of the trade deadline is all about.

The post Five Potential Deadline Starter Replacements For Kodai Senga appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Position: RP B/T: R/R
Age: 30 (03/25/1993)
2023 Traditional Stats: 68 G (1 SV), 66 IP, 3.00 ERA, 1.121 WHIP, 4-3, 74 SO, 25 BB
2023 Advanced Stats: 141 ERA+, 27.0% SO%, 9.1% BB%, 3.14 xERA, 3.74 FIP, 4.24 xFIP, 0.6 fWAR, 1.1 bWAR

Rundown

Phil Maton began his career as a member of the San Diego Padres but faced constant promotion and demotion. He was an effective middle relief option as a member of their bullpen but soon became less efficient after he returned from a lat strain in 2018. He finished with a 5.02 ERA in San Diego through 114 innings of work and struck out 121 batters.

The Padres traded Maton to the Guardians in 2019, where he once again faced the constant battle between the big leagues and Triple-A. A bit more productive in Cleveland, Maton finished his stint in the AL Central in 2021 with a 4.30 ERA in 75 innings, and he saw his strikeout rate drastically increase as he threw his cutter more.

Once again traded, Maton wound up in Houston, where he flourished. Through 157 innings in his three years as an Astro, Maton went 8-5 with a 3.67 ERA and struck out 171 batters. 2023 saw his best year in Houston and possibly the best of his career. While he gave up 25 walks, his second highest after 32 in 2021, he played in a career-high number of games.

Maton throws a curveball, fastball, sweeper, and sinker. While he’s not known for his velocity, his average fastball sat at only 88.9 mph in 2023, Maton is one of the best in the league in inducing soft contact. According to Statcast, Maton ranked in the 100th percentile in hard-hit percentage (23.5%) in 2023. He also ranked in the 99th percentile in average exit velocity (84.5 mph), 95th percentile in xBA (.192) and 90th percentile in whiff% (32.9%).

Of concern is Maton’s control. He plunked a career-high nine batters in 2023, one year removed from hitting eight batters in 2022. His walk rate percentage also ranks slightly below the league average at 9.1%, and walks have risen in the past few years. A ground ball first pitcher, Maton has never allowed more than ten homers in a season.

Contract

Maton earned $2.55 million in his final arbitration-eligible year with the Astros. As he enters free agency for the first time, the right-hander should net either a one or two-year deal. In terms of dollar amount, expect him to earn between $3 million and $5 million per year. Here is what late-inning relievers comparable to Maton have signed for this offseason:

• Kirby Yates: one-year, $4.5 million (Rangers)
• Chris Stratton: two-years, $8.5 million (Royals)
• Andrew Chafin: one-year, $4.5 million (Tigers)

The reliever market has continued to move swiftly over the past few weeks. It’s only a matter of time before more names come off the board. Like other players, as Maton’s stock trends upwards, his price may as well.

Recommendation

Reports surfaced Saturday the Mets resigned right-hander Adam Ottavino to a one-year deal. That said, it’s unclear if the Mets would want to add another arm to their bullpen. However, Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted the Mets are still interested in lefty Wandy Peralta.

The Mets need all the bullpen help they can get. Capping it off at Ottavino might not instill enough confidence in the bullpen and depth. The team might need that extra jolt from an additional signing. Another lefty might handle that, or a righty like Maton. While Maton’s career numbers against lefties aren’t earth-shattering, they’re slightly on par with his statistics against right-handed hitters.

Maton would make a nice addition to the bullpen, allowing Ottavino to work out of the seventh inning. He would serve as the setup man for Edwin Díaz and has the potential to close out games when Dìaz is unavailable.

The post Free Agent Profile: Phil Maton, RP appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran lefty reliever Andrew Chafin has signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The news was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Per Rosenthal, the deal, which is pending a physical, is expected to be in the guaranteed range of $6.5 million. The contract could eventually reach a total value of $7.5 million with incentives, however. The one-year deal also contains an option, per Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

Chafin was arguably the best lefty reliever left on the open market and he’s now found a new home just before the start of spring training.

The Mets were linked with Chafin given their need for a high-end lefty arm in the bullpen. Interestingly, the Mets have been mentioned in the same circles as Chafin for quite some time now and he would have been the ideal candidate to fill a sizeable void. However, as has been the case in previous years, the veteran is now off the market once again.

It is also worth noting that perhaps the Mets took themselves out of the race for Chafin a while ago. Per a report from Andy Martino of SNY, the front office would prefer a bullpen arm with options remaining. As such, that would have ruled Chafin out as a potential target.

This move also sees Chafin go back to where it began given that he was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. The lefty was quickly transformed into a reliever by Arizona and he posted a solid 3.68 ERA with 288 strikeouts across a seven-year span.

He was then dealt to the Chicago Cubs at the 2020 trade deadline, where he posted a 3.00 ERA in a small sample size. That earned Chafin a one-year, $2.25 million deal. After pitching to a dominant 2.06 ERA during the first-half of the 2021 season, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics where he was lights out for the rest of the year with a 1.53 ERA. He also recorded a 0.93 WHIP, 2.98 FIP, 64 strikeouts, issued 19 walks and allowed just four home runs that year.

After a strong year, Chafin entered free agency with options and he elected to sign for the Detroit Tigers on a one-year, $6.5 million deal. He enjoyed another good year with a 2.83 ERA, to go along with three saves and 67 strikeouts in 57.1 innings pitched.

With Chafin having now opted for a return to the team that drafted him, another elite lefty arm is off the market and it remains to be seen whether the Mets look to address what is a very real need before spring training starts.

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Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Position: LHP
Bats/Throws: R/L
Age: 6/17/1990 (32)

Traditional Stats: 64 G, 2-3, 2.83 ERA, 1.169 WHIP, 67 K, 57.1 IP
Advanced Stats: 0.9 fWAR, 3.06 FIP, 2.92 xERA, 7.8 BB%, 27.6 K%

Rundown

Andrew Chafin was drafted in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He began his career as a starter and after a few successful minor league campaigns, received a cup of coffee in the big leagues towards the end of 2014.

He was quickly transformed into more of a reliever the next season, and he ended up having a very solid year. Chafin made 66 appearances out of the Diamondbacks bullpen and posted a 2.76 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts over 75 innings.

Like most of the 69-93 Diamondbacks, Chafin struggled the following year. He made just 32 appearances and posted a 6.75 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and had 28 strikeouts over 22 innings. Despite the struggles, Chafin allowed just one home run on the season.

The southpaw bounced back in 2017 with a 71 appearance campaign. He allowed just five home runs, issued just 11 walks, and struck out 61 batters while posting a 3.51 ERA in 51 innings.

He made 77 appearances each of the next two seasons, pitched to a combined 3.44 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 2.96 FIP, and struck out 121 batters. With the three batter rule being put into place, Chafin struggled during their first half of the 2020 season.

He was traded to the Cubs at the deadline, where he put together a decent small sample size. He re-signed with Chicago on a one-year, $2.25 million deal with a mutual option for this season during the offseason.

Chafin returned to his old dominant form during the first half of the year. He was again traded at the deadline, this time to the Oakland Athletics, where he continued his strong 2021 campaign.

He finished the year with 70+ appearances again (71) and posted a career-low 1.83 ERA. He also recorded a 0.93 WHIP, 2.98 FIP, 64 strikeouts, issued 19 walks, and allowed just four home runs.

Coming off another strong year he entered free agency. He chose to sign a one-year $6.5 million deal with a player option for 2023 with the Detroit Tigers. The Mets were rumored to be interested.

He relies on four pitches; low-90s sinker, low-90s fastball, mid-80s slider, and mid-80s changeup.

Contract

Back in November, MLB Trade Rumors projected Chagin to get a two-year, $18 million deal. Chafin is coming off the two best seasons of his career and is currently the top lefty on the market.

Chafin’s market has been slow to develop. He initially came out saying he’d be interested in a return to Detroit and not much buzz has been generated since. It’s possible that teams are waiting for the 60-Day IL designations to open up spots on their 40-man roster to sign a player like Chafin.

The Mets are clearly ready to spend for top-of-the-line bullpen help but finding a proper late-inning role for him won’t be as easy with the money he eventually demands.

Recommendation

Should the Mets sign Chafin? Yes. Will they? Likely, no. It’s unfortunate but looking at their projected bullpen, there are no “late-inning” roles open with Edwin Diaz, Adam Ottavino, David Robertson, and Brooks Raley lined up.

Although only two lefties – Raley and David Peterson – are estimated to be in the pen right now, the addition of Chafin would make the Mets bullpen a demonstrable force.

Chafin’s name has circled the Mets for what feels like an eternity. At every free agency period or trade deadline, his name has popped up in talks. The Mets just seem hesitant to pull the trigger.

The Mets expect the return of left Joey Lucchesi to the pen after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Is that good enough a reason to not build out what could be the best bullpen in baseball? No. Nor is it what fans want to hear. Chafin should be a Met with the scarcity of left-handed relief help on the market but he doesn’t seem like the player even Steve Cohen is willing to break the bank again and again for.

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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.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets signed Tommy Pham to a one-year, six million dollar deal. The Mets have not confirmed the deal yet, as there still needs to be a physical. If confirmed, Pham will serve as the Mets’ fourth outfielder. Chris Bello has more on the story.

Additionally, Tomás Nido and the New York Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $3.7 million contract, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. The deal, which covers Nido’s remaining arbitration years, pays $1.6 million in 2023 and $2.1 million in 2024.

Now, it is time for the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

The Mets added four more people to their franchise Hall of Fame yesterday. The new members include Al Leiter, Howard Johnson, and broadcasters Gary Cohen and Howie Rose. Ross Bentley has more on the story.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that the Mets are interested in Andrew Chafin and Zack Britton.

Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that Keith Hernandez’s contract talks with SNY have been on hold (they were initially scheduled to resume last week). However, talks are expected again soon. The two sides were a distance apart on contract terms following an initial offer to Hernandez before the holidays.

Ronny Mauricio finished his Dominican Winter League MVP campaign by scoring the winning run in the title-clincher for Licey. Jacob Resnick of MLB Pipeline has video below.

Ronny Mauricio caps his Dominican Winter League MVP campaign by scoring the winning run in the title-clincher for Licey.

Electric stuff. pic.twitter.com/tGBa3boKBo

— Jacob Resnick (@Jacob_Resnick) January 19, 2023

Latest MLB News

Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports that Ashley Stephenson is joining the Blue Jays organization this year as a minor-league coach in Vancouver after a decorated career playing for Canada’s women’s national baseball team.

Jayson Stark of The Athletic reports that John Coppolella hasn’t spoken publicly since he resigned as Braves GM in 2017 (until now). Stark and Nick Groke looked at how his suspension changed his life, what MLB saw to reinstate him and whether he’ll ever work in baseball again.

Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors reports that veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a minor league deal. He’ll earn a $3MM salary if he makes the big league roster. 

Latest on MMO

Ross Bentley covers six Mets prospects in the Baseball America top 100 rankings.

Ross Bentley also covers Jeff McNeil being contacted to play in the 2023 World Baseball Classic for the United States.

On This Date in Mets History

1972: Yogi Berra was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Birthdays: Jon Matlack (73)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Agree to Deal With Tomás Nido appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Edwin Díaz. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Entering free agency and the off-season, two areas of the Mets’ roster needed to be completely rebuilt. The first was the rotation, and the other, the bullpen. Apparently, general manager Billy Eppler and the front office were well aware of the need to rebuild the ‘pen as they have already added several pieces. Though, despite that, when projecting out how the bullpen currently stands, it is clear that New York should continue to add to the unit.

What Have They Done So Far?

The team re-signed the best closer in baseball, Edwin Díaz, to a monster five-year, $102-million deal. They also brought in the likes of David Robertson (free agency) and left-hander Brooks Raley (trade), as well as re-signed Adam Ottavino.

New York also made several other minor additions that should help bring depth or potentially fill a remaining hole in the bullpen with a strong spring. These additions consist of Jeff Brigham, Stephen Ridings, and Tayler Saucedo. The team also brought in former starter Elieser Hernández, who could potentially be used out of the ‘pen.

How Does The Bullpen Currently Project?

Normally, teams usually carry around seven-to-eight relief pitchers on their roster. As it currently stands, the bullpen looks as such:

• Closer: Edwin Díaz
• Set-Up: David Robertson
• 7th-8th Inning: Adam Ottavino
• Middle Relief: Drew Smith
• Left-Handed Option: Brooks Raley
• Long-Relief/Spot-Starter: David Peterson / Joey Lucchesi / Elieser Hernández

This leaves one or two more spots to be filled. Could the Mets just opt to stick internally and fill out the remainder of the bullpen that way? Potentially. If so, what would their options be?

John Curtiss. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Remaining Internal Options

As mentioned, the Mets brought in a plethora of outside talent that may be able to win a spot in the bullpen out of camp. These consist of the aforementioned Jeff Brigham, Stephen Ridings, and Tayler Saucedo.

Brigham had a nice season in Miami last year, posting a 3.38 ERA and 3.65 FIP across 24 innings. Meanwhile, Ridings was injured most of the season, but has shown high-strikeout potential (42 strikeouts in 29 minor-league innings in 2021). Additionally, Saucedo has always struggled in the big leagues as a left-handed specialist (5.40 career ERA in 28 1/3 innings)

Familiar faces the Mets can turn to consist of Tylor Megill, John Curtiss, Stephen Nogosek, or Bryce Montes de Oca. Megill has history as a starter, but his pitch makeup might make him a better fit as a reliever. Though, when the Mets tried that last season, it did not go well. Meanwhile, Nogosek (career 5.35 FIP across 31 2/3 major-league innings) and Montes de Oca (four runs and seven hits across 3 1/3 innings last season) appeared in the major leagues for the Mets last season as well.

Curtiss is an intriguing option, as the Mets signed him in 2021 knowing he would not participate in 2022 given his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery. Throughout his career, Curtiss has served as a back-end of the bullpen arm, and has done so well. He owns a 3.63 career ERA and 3.79 career FIP across 86 2/3 career innings pitched.

Do The Mets Really Need More?

Here are how the bullpens of the 10 most recent World Series champions ranked in the regular season based on ERA:

• 2022: Houston Astros – 1st
• 2021: Atlanta Braves – 12th (3rd in the postseason)
• 2020: Los Angeles Dodgers – 2nd
• 2019: Washington Nationals – 29th
• 2018: Boston Red Sox – 8th (2nd in the postseason)
• 2017: Houston Astros – 17th
• 2016: Chicago Cubs – 9th 
• 2015: Kansas City Royals – 2nd
• 2014: San Francisco Giants – 5th
• 2013: Boston Red Sox – 21st
• 2012: San Francisco Giants – 15th

Bottom-line, unless your are the 2013 Boston Red Sox or the 2019 Washington Nationals, World Series winning teams and stellar bullpens are directly correlated over the past 10 seasons. The average rank of the above team’s ERA over the past 10 years is around 12th. Take out the two outliers (’13 Red Sox and ’19 Nationals) that average jumps to around 9th.

It is no secret, great teams have great bullpens. As it stands, on paper, it is fair to say the Mets’ bullpen is good. Though, given the remaining couple holes, the word “great” should not apply yet. Add at least one more external arm, and it would not be crazy to call the Mets’ projected 2023 bullpen as one of the league’s best.

Andrew Chafin. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

External Options

Despite being deep into the off-season, there are still a plethora of solid bullpen arms remaining on the market. Some of those potential options are below:

Andrew Chafin

Chafin is someone that has been tied to the Mets for a while. He would give New York another strong, reliable left-handed arm in their bullpen. Opposing left-handed hitters own a lifetime .222 batting average and .603 OPS against Chafin.

Michael Fulmer

The 2011 Mets’ first-round pick has emerged as a reliable reliever. In his first season as a full-time reliever, Fulmer posted a 3.39 ERA and 3.57 FIP across 63 2/3 innings last season.

Matt Moore

Used as a pure reliever for the first time, the left-handed Moore may have revitalized his career last season. Across 74 innings, he posted an absurd 1.95 ERA. Moore’s FIP of 2.98 shows he was legit. He also saw an increase in his strikeout rate (83 across 74 innings) and held opposing left-handed hitters to a .634 OPS.

David Phelps

The former Miami Marlins’ starting pitcher turned in a career year as a reliever last season with Toronto. He was a workhorse, appearing in 65 games. Across the 63 2/3 innings he threw, he posted a 2.83 ERA and 3.16 FIP.

Luke Jackson

Jackson turned in a career year with rival Atlanta Braves last season. He posted a career-best 1.98 ERA and struck out 70 over 63 2/3 innings. He does own a career FIP of almost 4.00, but has three solid seasons under his belt.

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Hand

In 2021, the Mets claimed Hand off waivers and he pitched to a 2.70 ERA in 16 games for them that season. Last year, he played well with Philadelphia posting a 2.80 ERA and 3.93 FIP across 45 innings. He is another potential second left-handed option for the Mets’ bullpen to add.

Other Options: Alex Reyes, Corey Knebel, Will Smith

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Mets’ front office has done a great job of rebuilding the bullpen thus far. They are certainly on the right track, though, adding one more arm would make a comfortably above-average bullpen into a great one. Luckily for them, as the above outlines, there are still several solid options on the market that would easily be an upgrade over what their options are currently internally.

The post Mets Need To Continue To Add To The Bullpen appeared first on Metsmerized Online.