Breaking Mets News: Brandon Lyon Deal Done, Pending Physical

UPDATE: 2/8, 1:36 PM – Per the Mets, the deal with Lyon is now official.

UPDATE: 11:47 PM – Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting  that Lyon will receive a base salary of between $750,000 and $900,000.  The deal includes incentives, which can bring the total value of the contract to $2.4 million if reached.

ORIGINAL POST – Per Jon Heyman on Twitter, right handed reliever Brandon Lyon has agreed to terms with the Mets.  The deal is pending a physical.  Andy Martino is reporting the contract is for one year.

Jul 31, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Brandon Lyon (31) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the 6th inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Toronto 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Lyon, 33, split last season between Houston and Toronto.  He put together a solid season, finishing with an ERA of 3.10, and a WHIP of 1.24.  He struck out 63 batters in 61 innings pitched.

He had the best strikeout ratio of his career in 2012, averaging 9.3 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched.  Lyon’s career strikeouts per 9 average is 6.1.  According to fangraphs, the uptick in strikeouts last year was likely due to Lyon’s incredibly effective curveball.  Others have cited his increased reliance on the cutter, but the fangraphs article argues otherwise.

Lyon has 79 career saves, but he’ll likely be used in a setup role with the Mets.

Terry Collins stated yesterday that Frank Francisco is his closer, but there are a few things that may prevent that from happening: Francisco’s health and Sandy Alderson’s refusal to commit to Francisco as his 9th inning guy.

In the event Francisco is unhealthy and/or falters, I’d expect Bobby Parnell to get the first crack at closing.

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