Mets lefty reliever options: 1 underrated free agent, 1 bold target, 1 trade to make

1 Trade Option

Andrew Nardi is a pitcher who would benefit a ton from a better defensive team. Nardi has spent his entire career with the Miami Marlins. Last year, Nardi pitched 49.2 innings out of the Marlins’ bullpen, pitching to a 5.07 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, but his FIP was only 3.33. Other ERA estimators also liked his work, as he put up a 3.35 xFIP, 2.77 SIERA, and 2.75 xERA.

Nardi’s peripherals were also strong. He struck out a third of opponents, which was the fifth-best among left-handed relievers with at least 40 innings pitched. He also was not prone to many walks, with an 8.6% BB%. But he did give up home runs at a below-average 1.27-per-9 rate. While Nardi is a flyball pitcher, his barrel rate clocked in at just 7.4%, while his exit velo also sat at an above-average level of 88.2 MPH.

But the Marlins’ defense was very poor, especially compared to the Mets’. The Fish had -29 defensive runs saved and -36 outs above average. Their catchers were only about league average when it came to framing as well, with +0.9 framing runs. But the Mets had +18 DRS and +8 OAA, while their catchers saved +4.6 runs through framing. 

Nardi is only 26 and will be until August of next year. He is also still an entire season away from arbitration. While the Mets would have to make an inter-division trade, it would be worth it for Nardi’s services. He’s an effective left-handed pitcher who would thrive under better circumstances and could take over a left-handed set-up role immediately for the Mets for years to come.