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New York Mets rumors have been relatively quiet and the latest involving the bullpen indicates why. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, free agents Zack Britton and Andrew Chafin are considered longshots and for a preposterous reason. The team would reportedly prefer to have players with minor league options. It’s that simple.
Andrew Chafin and Zack Britton seem like "longshots" to sign with the Mets (via @martinonyc) https://t.co/2g42kJottt pic.twitter.com/Htaz6QOwRR
— SNY (@SNYtv) January 25, 2023
The preference is understandable yet incorrect. Doesn’t having the best available pitchers fit in better than having ones you can shuttle back and forth between the minor leagues? Britton and Chafin would create one less spot on the roster where the Mets can promote a Four-A pitcher for a fresher arm.
Mets rumors: The team needs a better reason to not sign good players
Britton is definitely a buy low candidate whose recent injuries may be of some concern. I can understand not wanting to commit anything to him because of health questions. Chafin, on the other hand, has made sense for the Mets for over a year. He was a guy they should have signed last season. At the trade deadline, he was worth pursuing heavily.
These latest Mets rumors put some sourness into an otherwise productive winter. Why stop now when the roster looks incomplete?
Without fully knowing what the team has planned, they do appear to have enough relievers with minor league options. Edwin Diaz, Adam Ottavino, David Robertson, and Brooks Raley are the four who don’t have them. Zach Greene is a Rule 5 Draft pick who would have to make the Opening Day roster. Stephen Nogosek is out of minor league options and a potential roster casualty because of it.
Greene and/or Nogosek can still fit into the plan even with Britton or Chafin on the roster. What’s more, we should already plan for at least one projected bullpen piece to hit the IL in the spring. That’s just the way things are.
It’s not going to end the season before it begins if the front office stays true to these Mets rumors. It’s just not a good enough reason to pass on two arms you’ll be searching for in July anyway.