Mets Sign Pedro Feliciano to Minor League Deal

After not pitching in the Majors at all the last two seasons, the Mets announced today they have brought back Pedro Feliciano, signing him to a minor league deal, including an invite to Big League Spring Training. It’s not a Major League contract to an external free agent, but it’s another reliever that will be brought into camp to be a part of the open audition to determine who is worthy enough to grab one of the final spots in the bullpen for this season.
From 2006-2010, Pedro Feliciano was a valuable part of the ‘pen in Flushing. Once he decided to drop his arm angle down to a
Feb 16, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Pedro Feliciano during spring training workout at George Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray -The Star Ledger via USA TODAY Sports
side-arm delivery, he was used almost everyday against the likes of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Raul Ibanez, among others. He led the league in appearances from ’08-’10, appearing in 86, 88, and 92 games. After the 2010 season, Feliciano signed a deal to go across town and join the Yankees to the tune of two-years and approximately $8 million, but we all know how that turned out, as the southpaw has battled shoulder problems ever since he left Queens, and didn’t once make it to the mound in the Bronx.
The Mets scouted Feliciano in the Puerto Rican Winter Leagues this season, where he compiled a 1.23 ERA in seven appearances. While this is by no means looks like a significant signing as of right now, it’s another no-risk, high reward kind of deal, which could work out to the team’s benefit if he performs well in camp. However, it is getting a little redundant to say “no-risk, high reward” over and over again, regardless of how much sense it makes.
Alderson said earlier this winter he’d like to add a veteran lefty to the fray alongside Josh Edgin and Robert Carson, and this could very well be what he was looking for. With him hanging out on the free agent market for real cheap, it’s worth a shot, as Feliciano was the premiere lefty specialist, holding opponents from the left side of the plate to a .214 average.
It will be fun to see Pedro don the Orange and Blue again in Port St. Lucie; let’s hope he can regain the form he had with the Mets before his shoulder problems.