The Mets bullpen was a glaring weak spot throughout last season.
Edwin Diaz, once the most dominant closer in the American League, who recorded 57 saves in 2018, failed to regain his form in his first year with the Mets. New York finished fifth in the National League with 27 blown saves in 65 save opportunities. Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen is set to do his due diligence to replenish his bullpen on the free agent market this offseason.
Dellin Betances is reportedly atop of Van Wagenen's list of relief pitchers. The Mets are taking a look at the former Yankees reliever, according to SNY's Andy Martino.
At 31 years old, Betances is one of the marquee relief options available. Betances, however, missed the majority of the 2019 season due to injury. He suffered a partial tear of his left Achilles tendon in his season debut on Sept. 17. Betances spent the time leading up to his return recovering from a nagging shoulder and lat injury.
Betances is expected to fully recover from the Achilles injury in December. His injury history could scare off a multi-year investment from a slew of clubs, but Betances is a viable option for a depleted Mets bullpen.
Luis Avilan, who appeared in 45 games last season, opted for free agency. Brad Brach, Donnie Hart and Brooks Pounders highlight the other notable relievers to become free agents, as well.
Betances is seemingly an ideal fit to join the Mets with Seth Lugo's desire to return to the team's starting rotation. Prior to his injury-plagued season, Betances was a consistant force as the Yankees' set-up man.
The four-time All Star struck out at least 100 batters in each season upon his first full year in 2014 — Lugo was the only Mets reliever to tally over 100 strikeouts last season (104). He carried a career 2.36 ERA over the past 358 games.
