Mets Rumors: Jeremy Jeffress has become a bullpen target

The New York Mets, despite their continued pursuit of high-profile center fielder George Springer, are still looking to build out their bullpen depth. So far, their main bullpen signing has been Trevor May, who was a solid reliever for the Minnesota Twins. Although their desire for more left-handed pitching is well documented, many of the latest Mets rumors revealed that they have shown an increased willingness to sign right-handed pitchers, especially if they could acquire them at a reasonable deal.

As a result, the Mets’ rumored interest in Chicago Cubs reliever Jeremy Jeffress makes sense. Although not a left-hander, Jeffress has the mechanics, arsenal, and potential that make him an attractive bullpen piece.

Despite his down year in 2019 that saw him pitch to a 4.85 ERA, he displayed signs in 2020 that he rediscovered what made him one of the best relievers in 2018. In 2020, he compiled a 4-1 record with a 1.54 ERA, which was one of the best marks not only on the Cubs but in the entire major leagues.

Why has Jeffress been added to the Mets rumors?

Jeffress is an 11-year veteran. He is a career journeyman, pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Cubs over his professional career thus far. Jeffress’s best year was in 2018 when he was a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. That year, he compiled an 8-1 record with a 1.29 ERA, earning him a trip to the All-Star Game.

Jeffress relies mostly on two pitches to get hitters out. He specializes in throwing sinkers when he is faced with a two-strike count, and he developed a penchant for causing hitters to swing out of the strike zone as a result. Apart from his sinker, Jeffress also mixes in a four-seamer and a curveball.

The latest round of Mets rumors also indicates that they are not the only team pursuing Jeffress. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Boston Red Sox have also rumored interest in acquiring him as well. Considering that Jeffress was a solid reliever in 2020 and successfully put his down 2019 season in the rearview mirror, there is a robust market for his services.

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As more Mets rumors begin to emerge and percolate, we should be able to gain a better idea of how likely it is that Jeffress will be in Queens for the 2021 season.