Reese Kaplan -- Spring Training Starts Minus Another Lefty Reliever

With spring training about to begin the Mets still have some needs to address.  Many folks want to see the team add a second left handed veteran reliever to the bullpen.  As of now, there are still some interesting names available in free agency who could fill the bill, though longtime desired southpaw Andrew Chafin appears headed to Arizona for another stint with the Diamondbacks.  Still, the inventory of lefties is not completely empty:

Zack Britton

The once stellar reliever is leaving the Yankees after recovering from physical problems.  Now 35, Britton is a two-time All Star during his days in Baltimore and as recently as 2019 he delivered a season with 61 IP and a spectacular ERA of just 1.91 with an abbreviated 2020 20 IP with just a 1.89 ERA.  If he’s healthy, he’s worth a shot, though coming off a 2022 season paycheck of $14 million he’s due for a downgrade after a lost 2021 and 2022.  This late in the off season may mean a drop to about half that amount of less.  A lot depends on what he is willing to take and what role he thinks he is still worth. 

Brad Hand

Former Met Brad Hand had a brief 16 game competent stint with the Mets in 2021 but left to pursue a single year with the Phillies in 2022 and delivered a terrific 2.80 ERA.  He was paid just $6 million for that effort.  He’s in the opposite situation of Britton and will likely be seeking a bigger paycheck and perhaps closer duties as he once did for the Padres and Indians.  He only saved 5 games for the Phillies but closing is where the big money usually goes for relief pitchers.  However, at age 33 it’s not likely he will be awarded that role.  Still, given his fantastic 2022 he is not going to come at a bargain rate.

Will Smith

So if Britton is a health risk and Hand looking for major money, the former Houston Astro Will Smith might be a better fit overall.  He is coming off a career in which he has served as a closer for both the Braves and Giants for single seasons in the mid-30s in saves.  His ERA has been respectable but not eye popping.  He was paid to get out of his contract by the Astros and served as a setup guy in 2022 with just 5 saves after earning $13 million per season for three straight seasons.  He’ll come at a bargain price but as is often said you get what you pay for.  Even during the two years as a closer his ERA between 2.76 and 3.44.  It’s gone up since then.

Matt Moore

Former starter Moore has become a reliever late in his career and in 2022 delivered a 1.95 ERA.  He appeared in 63 games and was paid under $1 million.  He’ll get a raise but likely not a significant one if you believe what he did for the Ranger last year can be replicated.  I wouldn’t write him off.

Jose Alvarez

The veteran reliever has been a stalwart setup guy for several years for a number of teams.  His salary has been below $2 million most seasons and he has pitched at a credible level year after year. 

Scott Alexander

The turning 34 year old southpaw Scott Alexander has delivered a commendable ERA in a setup role since debuting with the Royals in 2015.  His career ERA is just 3.00 and he's logged as many as 73 games in a season.  Earnings-wise he's never topped $1.2 million and he might be worth pursuing to complement Brooks Raley.

Justin Wilson

Another former Met who is out there seeking employment is southpaw Justin Wilson.  He’s bounced around a bit since leaving his orange and blue uniform behind.  The problem here is that he’s had Tommy John surgery last May which means he may not be ready for half a season.  He would be a bargain priced gamble who might take a minor league deal which preserves a roster spot but he wouldn’t be available likely until after the All Star break. 

There are a great many other lefties available who would likely be the minor league contract types. Two have former Met stints -- Mike Montgomery and Luis Avilan -- but the rest would be newcomers to the Mets. This list includes: 

• Jake Brentz
• Seth Romero
• Alex Young
• Manny Banuelos
• Foster Griffin 
• Roenis Elias 
• Rob Zastryzny 
• Daniel Norris
• Jacob Lindgren
• Tyler Lyons

The Mets could also use outfield assistance and right handed hitting from the DH position, but that's fodder for another post.