Mets among teams in talks with Antonio Bastardo

The Mets are reportedly in talks with left-handed relief pitcher Antonio Bastardo, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. The 30-year-old posted exceptional numbers out of the bullpen for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, recording a 2.98 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 3.33 FIP, and 10.05 K/9 over 57.1 innings pitched. In 2015, Bastardo held left-handed batters to a .138 average and right-handed batters to a .210 average. Bastardo was dominant over the second half of last season, totaling a 2.32 ERA post all-star break.

Bastardo would be an excellent addition to the Mets' bullpen and a strong candidate to set up for closer Jeurys Familia. According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, Bastardo is seeking a three-year deal in the range of $6 million a year, similar to the contract left-handed reliever Tony Sipp received in free agency earlier this offseason. The Orioles are another team who have been talking with Bastardo. Amazin' Avenue profiled Bastardo here.