3 under the radar Mets relief pitcher options in free agency still available

The offseason progresses, and the New York Mets are in the market for relief pitchers. The organization has been linked to various targets in recent weeks, in their search of short-term contracts that fit its current plan.

This season Mets bullpen will feature the return of Edwin Diaz as the team's closer in a bullpen that is complemented by Brooks Raley, Drew Smith, and Jorge Lopez, among others. Although the team has not been in the top pitching market, several under-the-radar pitching options could fit the team's plan in terms of financial commitment and contract types.

1) Alex Reyes

Alex Reyes' career has been overshadowed by various injuries that have prevented the pitcher from being consistently on the field. However, the former top prospect has been a dominant pitcher when healthy, which makes him an intriguing option this offseason.

Reyes, 29, has just signed a contract with the Dodgers where he could not see action due to having undergone another shoulder surgery, his second in two years. This would cause Reyes to have to look for a less guaranteed minor league or incentive contract to reestablish his value in the market.

Regardless, Reyes' potential is incredible. Despite various injuries, his fastball remains elite in the league, and his extensive pitching arsenal makes him an advantageous five-pitch reliever.

During his last season of action, in 2021, Reyes managed to strike out 95 batters in 75.1 innings pitched, where he had 29 saves. Likewise, the metrics show that, during his last seasons, his xBA remained below .200 and his xSLG around .315.

The Mets could sign Reyes to a minor league contract or a guaranteed MLB contract with multiple performance incentives. In an ideal scenario, the Mets would get an elite production from this young pitcher, who would become a key piece for the team's bullpen.