Acquiring Andrew Chafin should be top priority

Jul 2, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Andrew Chafin (37) pitches in
Jul 2, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Andrew Chafin (37) pitches in | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets went into the regular season with Joely Rodriguez and Chasen Shreve as the teams left-handed relievers. While neither had proven worthy of a top lefty arm on a contender, both had success in the past. The Mets gambled on one or both of them sticking but unfortunately, I predict neither will be on the roster after the trade deadline.

Shreve was already DFA after his rough start. Rodriguez has gotten a bit unlucky according to his 3.96 FIP as he has a 5.93 ERA in 34 appearances, but he's walked 6.6 batters per nine which is just not acceptable.

Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic is reporting that the Mets have shown interest in Tigers left hander Andrew Chafin. This would be a massive upgrade to a spot the Mets have needed to upgrade for a while now.

Andrew Chafin is a guy the Mets should have signed in the offseason and would be the perfect addition to this Mets bullpen.

Andrew Chafin signed a two-year $13 million dollar deal with the Tigers with the second year being a player option. The 32 year old had an outstanding 2021 campaign with the Cubs and Athletics and has backed it up this season, posting a 2.53 ERA in 37 appearances.

Chafin is a guy who can be relied upon to get left handed hitters out. Lefties have slashed .229/.333/.292 with just three extra base hits allowed (all doubles) in 59 plate appearances.

What makes Chafin so appealing to me is his ability to also get right handers out. Righties have just a .480 OPS in 74 plate appearances this season against Chafin with only one home run. The three batter rule won't be an issue whatsoever with Chafin.

The Mets used David Peterson in the eighth inning protecting a two-run lead against the Yankees with two left handed hitters due up instead of Joely Rodriguez. That would've be a perfect spot to put Chafin in, and I'm confident he would've gotten the job done.

They have lacked a high leverage lefty all season. Aaron Loup's production from last season has been missed dearly and Chafin is a guy who can do what Loup did, add a bridge to Edwin Diaz.

The cost should be relatively cheap due to his age and the Tigers not competing, so the Mets absolutely should get this deal done and also acquire another reliever in addition.

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