The Mets were one of '14 to 18' clubs that attended free agent reliever Trevor Rosenthal's pitching showcase in Miami on Tuesday, according to SNY's Andy Martino and Audacy Sports insider Jon Heyman.
Rosenthal, 32, was one of the top relievers in baseball earlier in his career with the Cardinals, including a dominant 2013-15 stretch where he had 96 saves, 278 strikeouts in 214 1/3 innings, and a 2.65 ERA. However, injuries and control issues have plagues his career since.
The righty lost his closer's job in mid-2016 and ended up having Tommy John surgery late in 2017, which cost him the entire 2018 season as well. He has been with six different organizations since 2019 - including a brief stint in Triple-A with the Yankees that year - but impressed in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, posting a 1.90 ERA and 38 Ks in 28 2/3 innings with the Royals and Padres.
That earned the Scott Boras client a one-year, $11 million deal with the A's, but a groin strain, thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, and a torn hip labrum combined to keep him off the mound all year.
Tuesday is thought to be Rosenthal's inly showcase, and it seemed to be vintage Trevor in both good and bad: he was said to be sitting at 96-98 MPH with his fastball, but he had to cut the session short due to a hamstring cramp.
Given his recent injury history, it may be likely a minor-league deal is his best route, but Rosenthal could be a helpful arm for a number of contenders if he can stay healthy.
The Mets are 11th in MLB in bullpen ERA with a 3.56 mark this season, and they are tied for fifth in strikeouts, ninth in WHIP, and sixth in batting average against entering Wednesday. That said, they've already used nine starters (including nominal long man Trevor Williams) and have lost Sean Reid-Foley for the season and Trevor May for a good chunk of it, so bullpen depth could be a need.
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