New York Mets Need To Re-Sign Jerry Blevins
The New York Mets have a shortage of quality left-handed relief pitchers in their bullpen right now. Because of this, the team should consider bringing back Jerry Blevins.
If the New York Mets want to go into the 2017 season with a dependable lefty specialist in their bullpen, they must re-sign Jerry Blevins.
Blevins, 33, is one of the best left-handed relievers still on the free agent market. After missing most of the 2015 season due to a fractured left arm, he had a nice comeback year in 2016.
In 73 appearances, he went 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA and had 52 strikeouts. The injury clearly did not have any significant long-term effects on Blevins.
It would not hurt for the Mets to bring back a guy who is already familiar with the team. Blevins had a certain role last year and did his job well. He clearly fits in with the rest of the team. The Mets know that they can rely on him to get left-handed hitters out.
The Mets reportedly have some interest in a few other relievers, including Joe Smith and Sergio Romo. Both pitchers are right-handed, though.
Either guy could have a late-inning relief role if the Mets choose to sign one of them. Re-signing Blevins should still be a top priority, as he is a good lefty specialist.
Among FA relievers whom #Mets are considering, per sources: Sergio Romo and Joe Smith. And of course, Jerry Blevins. Looking at all of ‘em.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 26, 2017
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One of the reasons that it is so important for the Mets to bring Blevins back is that they currently do not have a true lefty specialist in their bullpen. Josh Edgin, Josh Smoker, and Sean Gilmartin are the only left-handed relievers that the team has right now. All three of these pitchers struggled last season.
Gilmartin did not spend much time with the Mets in 2016. When he was called up from the minors and finally got the chance to pitch, it did not go well. In 14 games, he posted a 7.13 ERA. Smoker made his Major League debut in August. Although he finished the 2016 season with a 3-0 record, his ERA was 4.70. Edgin only appeared in 16 games, going 1-0 with a 5.23 ERA.
Needless to say, none of these lefties put up impressive statistics last year. Blevins was the only one who was able to get the job done.
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Mets general manager Sandy Alderson will probably be making a decision soon on whether or not to re-sign Blevins. Given that Blevins has proven that he is a trustworthy left-handed reliever, this decision seems relatively simple. We will see if Alderson feels the same way.