Mets have shown interest in lefty reliever Craig Breslow

In their search for a left-handed reliever to pair with Josh Edgin, the Mets have expressed interest in free agent Craig Breslow.

Breslow, 34, had a down season in 2014, posting a 5.96 ERA (5.34 FIP) and 1.86 WHIP in 54.1 innings spanning 60 appearances.

The Red Sox declined Breslow’s $4 million dollar team option after the season.

Thoughts:

Breslow’s average fastball velocity was down 1.5 MPH this past season, to 88.4 MPH from the 89.9 MPH it averaged in 2013.

Aside from Breslow’s fastball velocity dropping, he didn’t fare well against left-handed hitters, allowing them to hit .291/.381/.456 against him. Of the 8 home runs Breslow allowed in 2014, 4 came against left-handers.

Over the course of his career, Breslow has fared just about the same against right-handers and left-handers, though his slugging percentage allowed to lefties is a tick higher (.369 to .355).

Of the lefty relievers available, Breslow shouldn’t be near the top of the list for the Mets.

However, with Zach Duke (perhaps the best option) off the board, the Mets are likely doing their due diligence as it pertains to the rest of the market.

Other options include Scott Downs, Neal Cotts, and Joe Thatcher, but none of those three – or any of the other lefty relief options for that matter – represents a slam dunk choice.

With the market for left-handed relief as thin as it is, it may make some sense for the Mets to instead seek a crossover reliever who can be used in a setup role against both lefties and righties.

One pitcher who fits the bill as a high quality crossover guy is Luke Gregerson, who has been one of the better setup guys in baseball since coming into the league. Velocity isn’t Gregerson’s forte, but he has been quite successful while relying heavily on his slider.

MLB Trade Rumors expects Gregerson to sign a three-year deal for $20 million dollars.