2) Jacob Webb, RP
The Baltimore Orioles' decision to cut relief pitcher Jacob Webb on Friday came as a surprise to some. Webb was such a solid reliever for Baltimore the past year and a half, as he registered a 3.09 ERA in 78.2 innings pitched, 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 125 ERA+ as an Oriole. Webb had spent time with the Braves and the Angels before the Orioles claimed him off waivers in August 2023, and stepped up in late inning situations with their bullpen ravaged by injuries last season.
Webb has above average stuff as a pitcher, but more specifically, he has a nasty changeup that wrecked his opposition last season, especially against left-handed hitters. Because of that changeup, lefties hit just .146 against him last season while righties batted .227. Webb also induces more soft contact than the average pitcher. However, his control could be an issue, as he has a career 11.1 percent walk rate.
Webb would represent an upgrade over what the Mets currently have in their bullpen, and would fit in nicely as a solid 7th inning man in the back end of the Mets bullpen.
3) Mike Tauchmann, OF
Mike Tauchman is one of many MLB players who spent a season of their careers in Korea (the KBO) and came back to MLB as better players. His season in Korea was in 2022, and has since followed with the best two-year stretch of his career with the Chicago Cubs, who non-tendered him on Friday.
With the Cubs over the past two years, he slashed .250/.360/.372 with a 106 OPS+ in 751 plate appearances. He gets on base, has become a more patient, disciplined hitter since returning from Korea, as his strikeout rate has been cut nearly in half, and is making more quality contact at the plate.
Defensively, Tauchman has played all three outfield positions and has a relatively strong arm, and his overall body of work ethic and general dependability make him a strong addition to the Mets and their culture.