With Aroldis Chapman signing an extension with the New York Yankees before the offseason really got underway and Will Smith signing with the Atlanta Braves earlier this week, two of the top relievers on the free agent market are already off the board.
The free agent reliever market now lacks elite late-inning options, which leaves the Mets and many other teams looking to select the best from the rest.
Below are my top five options– in no particular order– that the Mets should pursue with contract predictions, courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors and FanGraphs.
1. Drew Pomeranz
The left-handed reliever was an extremely interesting case last season as he actually has very limited relief experience. That being said, in the brief time he spent in the bullpen, he arguably was as dominant as anyone.
Prior to the MLB Trade Deadline, Pomeranz was almost exclusively starting games for the San Francisco Giants in which he had a 5.68 ERA, 5.24 FIP, and 1.609 WHIP over 77 2/3 innings.
On July 31, the Milwaukee Brewers made a trade that appeared very strange at the time to acquire him and Rey Black. They gave up one of their top prospects, Mauricio Dubon, to complete the trade.
Down the stretch, the Brewers decided to convert him into a reliever and he registered a 2.39 ERA, 2.68 FIP, and 0.911 WHIP. He also managed a sterling 15.4 K/9 rate and reduced his walk rate from 4.2 BB/9 with the Giants to 2.7 BB/9 with the Brewers.
Some teams might even pursue Pomeranz as a starter, given that he has 140 career starts under his belt. Given his dominance in the bullpen, the Mets and many other teams would be wise to pursue him in that capacity.
MLBTR: two years, $16 million
FanGraphs: two years, $12 million
2. Will Harris
The Houston Astros’ reliever will probably forever be remembered in the state of Texas for giving up the home run to Howie Kendrick in Game 7 of the World Series this season.
That being said, Harris has been one of the most consistent relievers in the game during his five-year span in Houston. Over that time, the right-hander has a 2.36 ERA, 2.99 FIP, and 0.987 WHIP while averaging 9.5 K/9 as compared to 2.2 BB/9.
One thing that might make teams scared to pursue him is his age, though. At 35 years old, the fear of rapid decline starts to become a concern, which could make it difficult for Harris to net anything more than a one- or two-year deal this offseason.
MLBTR: two years, $18 million
FanGraphs: two years, $14 million
3. Daniel Hudson
Hudson was one of the biggest reasons the Washington Nationals are World Series Champions, as he was acquired midseason and dominated out of the bullpen.
After being acquired on July 31, Hudson registered a 1.44 ERA, 3.53 FIP, and 0.880 WHIP over 24 appearances. He also averaged 8.3 K/9 as compared to 1.4 BB/9 in that span.
Outside of one brutal performance against the Astros in the World Series, Hudson was dominant in the playoffs as he allowed only one run in his other eight appearances combined. He would go on to record the final out of the World Series, which was very fitting.
His career has been mired with injuries and inconsistency, though, having spent time with eight organizations and being released from a team as recently as March of 2019 by the Los Angeles Angels.
That track record could make it hard to get the multi-year deal that most relievers coming off a stretch like that would be accustomed to getting.
MLBTR: two years, $12 million
FanGraphs: two years, $12 million
4. Steve Cishek
The submarine right-hander is coming off yet another strong season with the Chicago Cubs, in which he had a 2.95 ERA, 4.54 FIP, and 1.203 WHIP over 70 appearances.
His FIP might be alarming for teams this offseason as he could be due for regression if he moves on from a strong Cubs defense behind him.
On the contrary, his 2.69 career ERA likely mitigates that concern for many teams in need of a back-end reliever this offseason.
With someone like Cishek, splits can often be a concern as many submarine pitchers struggle against opposite-handed opponents. Cishek, though, is actually able to handle left-handed hitters (.733 OPS against him) while dominating his same-handed opponents (.583 OPS against him).
MLBTR: two years, $10 million
FanGraphs: not ranked among top 50 free agents
5. Dellin Betances
Now comes the reliever with the biggest boom or bust potential in Betances.
The right-hander is coming off a season in which he made only one appearance, as he dealt with a right shoulder impingement until September and then suffered a partially torn left Achilles tendon upon his return.
However, his track record with the New York Yankees speaks for itself as he has a career 2.36 ERA, 2.31 FIP, and 1.043 WHIP with 14.6 K/9 as compared to 4.0 BB/9.
With his injury-riddled season, Betances could come at a very reasonable price and as a New York native, he could make sense for the Mets to gamble on.
MLBTR: one year, $7 million
FanGraphs: two years, $18 million
