Mets Rumors: A bargain lefty is more likely than a top free agent southpaw

Recent New York Mets rumors about the bullpen have suggested the team will look at cheaper left-handed options rather than the big names available.

It’s not what many New York Mets want to hear. Unfortunately, Mets rumors following the addition of Jeurys Familia aren’t too uplifting in regards to the bullpen.

Rather than adding one more awesome piece to this cluster of relievers, recent Mets rumors have suggested the team will forego signing an Andrew Miller or Zach Britton in favor of someone cheaper.

The general manager himself pointed at such. According to Mike Puma of the NY Post, Brodie Van Wagenen “downplayed” the possibility of going for broke in his quest to build a better bullpen. Now that he has Familia and Edwin Diaz in the back, he seems a little too satisfied to target one more big fish.

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Since around August, I had hoped to see the Mets prioritize three big bullpen arms this winter. I consider Diaz and Familia big enough names. To complete the trinity, they would need a southpaw. Miller or Britton would be the best choices.

However, with closer jobs still available, I’m sure Britton gets a better offer elsewhere. Miller also has an opportunity to land a better deal on the market from teams who are looking to make a big splash with a reliever.

If the Mets rumors and Van Wagenen’s take on the situation are indeed true, they will need a bargain lefty instead. Per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, a few names include Tony Sipp, Jerry Blevins, and Oliver Perez. For those who were unimpressed with Familia’s return, wait until Ollie is back.

This trio certainly has talent, but I’m not sure they’re what this team needs. I am fine with Daniel Zamora as the lefty specialist. The other lefty should be more than that.

Last year, Blevins showed how deathly scary employing a limited reliever like this could be. Left-handed hitters figured him out, knocking him around for a .264/.341/.444 batting line. He did handle righties well, but his overall numbers were poor enough for me to desire someone else.

And despite his recent success, could Perez really work with the Mets? I mean, he was terrible during his first trip through New York. But that was many years ago and he has reinvented himself as a pitcher. Airplanes nowadays work much better than those goofy pedal ones we see in 100-year-old black and white b-roll. What’s to say Perez cannot get the job done now like a 747 jet?

It’s certainly disappointing to read Mets rumors that say they’re done shopping for big name relievers. One more piece may have completed a fine puzzle.

Diaz and Familia at the back look good. With Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman in front of them, the team could have four reliable arms.

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I still do believe they will add another pitcher for the bullpen. Sadly, it’ll be at a manager’s special price.

Recent New York Mets rumors about the bullpen have suggested the team will look at cheaper left-handed options rather than the big names available.

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