NY Mets: 2 one-year free agent contracts that have worked out perfectly

Aaron Loup was the sneakiest good move of the Mets offseason

When the Mets inked Aaron Loup to a one-year contract, there was optimism that his 2020 campaign with the Rays was no fluke. Already in his early 30s, Loup turned in a 2.52 ERA in 25 innings of work for the Rays.

This year has been even more brilliant for the lefty reliever. His ERA has been in the 1.00s since mid-June. It is the best $3 million the team could have possibly spent on the bullpen.

Loup has carried a major load for the Mets as the lone lefty out of the bullpen for the majority of the season. Working in many high-leverage situations, Luis Rojas has never had the need to hesitate asking him to get big outs.

Adding a reliable lefty was one of the winter’s biggest priorities. While everyone was focused on what it would take to sign free agent Brad Hand—ironically now with the Mets via a September waiver claim—the front office crunched the numbers and saw something special in Loup. Hardly a well-known name, we may need to thank the stat geeks in the front office for this addition.

There’s little debate as to whether or not the Mets should look to bring Loup back. However, after coming off of this year, he’d be wise to look for a multi-year contract. Even if he’s nearing his mid-30s, it might be a wise decision to take the gamble.