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 added Trevor May to reinforce their bullpen, but adding another reliever is something the Mets should look to do this offseason

This winter has certainly brought some surprises and the non-tender deadline continued that trend when Archie Bradley was not tendered a contract by the Cincinnati Reds. While the Mets are certainly in need of some left-handed arms in the pen, adding Bradley should be a move management makes in the coming weeks.

Traded to the midwest from Arizona, Bradley had excellent numbers in 2020. Between the two teams, the right-hander posted an ERA of 2.95 and accompanied that with a stellar 2.59 FIP. He also racked up 18 strikeouts over the 18 innings he pitched while compiling six saves and two wins.

You also may know Bradley from his historic triple in the National League Wild Card game in 2017. With the DH looming in the NL, you’re probably not going to get a repeat of this:

If you’re sheepish on Bradley’s numbers over 18 innings, you can look to his 2019 season and see the quality he carriers. In a full season with the Diamondbacks in 2019, he put together a 3.52 ERA over 71.2 innings pitched and also had a career-high K/9 ratio that almost neared 11 (10.93). His walk rate and FIP were up that year, but he was worth a 1.2 fWAR and was probably a victim of a slightly abnormal BABIP.

With a ground ball rate of nearly 50%, Bradley’s stuff lends itself to a ballpark like Citi Field. While better served as a middle reliever, Bradley has shown the ability to close games if needed as he’s registered 28 career saves, 18 of which came in ’19.

With the Mets looking to create depth by adding quality arms to their bullpen, Bradley would be a great grab this offseason.