Mets Rumors: No Interest Shown In Top Closers
New York Mets Rumors: Despite a need in the bullpen the Mets reportedly have zero interest in the big named closers available.
New York Mets rumors have revolved around their outfield recently. The Mets re-signed Yoenis Cespedes and now there is some pressure to shuffle around their outfield. They have a logjam out there with five players in the fold for three spots. A trade makes a lot of sense, and acquiring some help in the bullpen would be an ideal target.
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The Mets are in the market for bullpen upgrades. Last season Terry Collins had little trust in anyone outside of Addison Reed and Jeurys Familia. The Mets could be without Familia at the beginning of the season because of domestic violence. We have seen Jose Reyes and Aroldis Chapman both suspended under those new rules and a suspension would not be surprising for Familia.
That puts even more of an emphasis on the bullpen this offseason. The Mets already needed help, but now need to find a replacement for Familia in the early going. Don’t expect the Mets to go big fish hunting on the free agent market.
According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets have no interest in adding a top-flight closer such as Chapman, Kenley Jansen or Mark Melancon in free agency.
Keep asking, keep getting the same answer: Mets really have little to no interest in signing top FA closers Chapman, Jansen or Melancon.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) November 30, 2016
That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. The Mets have a capable arm already on the roster to close out games until Familia returns in Reed. They are not looking for a long-term replacement at the back of their bullpen; just a stop gate until Familia can return to action if he is sidelined.
Familia will get his job back once he returns from suspension if he is suspended at all. That is why the Mets will be looking at middle relief type arms according to DiComo, who lists Fernando Salas as an option.
How do Mets build a bullpen? Maybe trading Bruce gets you an arm. But mostly, they're looking at mid-tier free agents. Salas, for example.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) November 30, 2016
The Mets acquired Salas from the Los Angeles Angels for Erick Manoah just before the waiver-deadline at the end of August. He was solid for the Mets in 17 appearances, pitching to a 2.08 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 19 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings pitched.
He would right into the Mets bullpen as a late inning option. He could help bridge the gap to Reed and Familia. But, the Mets could be looking to add multiple bullpen arms. They have also been linked to veteran lefty Boone Logan.
Expect the Mets to be in on multiple middle relievers, especially left-handed ones. Jerry Blevins is a free agent and is unlikely to return to the team. He leaves the Mets with a huge hole in their bullpen, as Josh Edgin, Sean Gilmartin, and Josh Smoker are the only left-handed relievers currently on the 40-man roster.
Next: Report: Blue Jays Making Push For Jay Bruce
Expect that to change in the coming weeks. The Mets bullpen could look totally different this season outside of Reed and Familia at the back end and Hansel Robles in middle relief.