Mets should seriously consider signing these three non-tendered pitchers

With the non-tender deadline now in the past, some intriguing names are available for the New York Mets to go after this offseason

The non-tender deadline passed and players who weren’t tendered a contract are now free agents, able to sign with any team they choose. In years past, this time of year rarely possessed the type of quantity and quality that is being seen in 2020. Due to a global pandemic and financial hits across the sport, some up to “$2 billion“, teams are choosing to pass on opening their checkbooks for players that normally would stand pat. The New York Mets are an exception.

Due to new owner Steve Cohen taking over the reins in Queens, the Mets are not only unfazed by the losses in 2020, but actually have an infusion of cash that puts them in a prime position to make significant roster moves this winter. While the wide-eyes of Mets fans are locked in on the likes of big-ticket free agents such as Trevor Bauer, George Springer, and J.T. Realmuto, there’s some value to be added to the club outside of those names.

While a Cohen net worth of $14 billion may make the Flushing faithful scoff at the idea of looking at bargain-type players, it would be wise of Sandy Alderson to look at some of the names who were non-tendered on Wednesday in an attempt to deepen the Mets roster. There’s no denying the talent that currently exists on the 40-man roster, but if history has taught Mets fans anything, it’s that you can never have too much depth, especially with pitching.

Here are three pitchers who were non-tendered on Wednesday that the Mets could find valuable to have on their roster heading into next season.

The Mets are still trying to build out their rotation and offering Carlos Rodon a minor-league deal could prove to be valuable down the road

The New York Mets certainly don’t need more question marks in the rotation, but there’s also no risk in providing potential depth, especially at a low cost. A pitcher like Carlos Rodon could be the type of low-risk/high-reward that ends up providing value for the club.

For Rodon, it’s never been a potential of question, but rather of putting it all together. Drafted with the third overall pick in the 2014 MLB draft, Rodon came into the White Sox organization with high expectations. Throwing a mid 90s fastball, a slider, and changeup, Rodon was known for missing bats. Racking up a K/9 ratio of almost 13 in college, the White Sox expected more of the same in Chicago.

Unfortunately, since getting to the Majors, Rodon has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Since coming into the league in 2015, Rodon’s ERA has gone up every season and culminated last year with an 8.22, although he only threw seven innings over the whole season. Taking this into account, people are probably wondering why he should even be considered an option.

The natural stuff is there and if you take a look at his small sample size in 2019, there’s a reason to be somewhat optimistic. His strikeout numbers were up, whiffing 46 batters in 34 innings. Yes, it’s a limited sample, but it indicates that the swing and miss stuff is still very much there.

Additionally, the seasons in which Rodon’s ERA has ballooned are seasons in which he has faced injuries and had his year cut short. In the three seasons he’s thrown over 100 innings, his ERA consisted of 3.75, 4.04 and 4.18 respectively. This is a drastic difference from the 5.19 and 8.22 ERAs he posted in injury-laden seasons.

Rodon is certainly no sure thing. Between the injuries, the walks (career 3.87 BB/9) and the 4.26 FIP over six seasons, there’s certainly a reason for suitors to approach cautiously. That being said, given the high strikeout potential and friendly confines of Citi Field, the Mets should at least consider bringing Rodon to spring training on a minor-league deal.

The Mets are lacking left-handed arms in the bullpen and could use a quality arm like Alex Claudio

Most Mets fans agree that Chasen Shreve should’ve been tendered a contract. I personally would’ve rather had Shreve than say a Robert Gsellman, but here we are. Additionally, there’s plenty of arms that could’ve been added to this list like John Brebbia, Matt Wisler, or a reunion with former Met, Hansel Robles. However, the Mets need another lefty in the bullpen. As the roster stands today, the only left-hander that isn’t a starter is Daniel Zamora.

Alex Claudio spent five seasons with the Texas Rangers before being traded to Milwaukee in 2018 and then eventually resigning with Brewers in 2019. Over seven seasons, lefties have hit .202 against Claudio with an OPS under .600.

The last three seasons have seen Claudio post an ERA over four, with a career-high of 4.48 coming in 2018. That being said, before 2018, Claudio had four consecutive seasons with an ERA under three. Another ground ball pitcher, Claudio owns a career ground ball percentage of almost 61%, which as a reliever could provide useful.

Also encouraging is the fact that Claudio’s strikeout percentage has climbed consecutively over the last three years. Combine that with a historically low walk rate outside of last season and there’s silver lining that suggests that Claudio could possibly rebound and be a nice find.

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Given the success against lefties, it might be worth the Mets exploring a deal to bring Claudio to Flushing to add left-handed depth to the bullpen.