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Left-handed relief pitcher Jerry Blevins, who is a free agent after spending the past two seasons with the Mets, is seeking a three-year deal worth $5-to-6 million per season. At that price, it sounds like the Mets would be out on him.
After throwing just five innings for the Mets in 2015 because he suffered a broken arm, Blevins returned to the team on a one-year, $4 million contract for 2016. He was very good in 42.0 innings spanning 73 appearances, with 11.14 strikeouts and 3.21 walks per nine, a 2.79 ERA, and a 3.05 FIP.
If it’s true that the Mets aren’t willing to go three years at a relatively modest salary, it’s disappointing. While Blevins is 33 years old, that’s not ancient for a reliever. The free agent market for left-handed relievers is pretty weak, and the Mets don’t have anyone currently in the organization who can obviously get left-handed hitters out on a regular basis. Lefties Josh Smoker and Josh Edgin might be able to fill that void, but neither one is a guarantee when it comes to that specific role.