The Mets have re-signed reliever Fernando Salas to a one-year deal, pending a physical, according to Ken Rosenthal. He will earn $3 million and could make up to another $350,000 in incentives.
The Mets acquired from the Angels last August, and he was a reliable setup man towards the end of last season. As a Met, he had a 2.08 ERA and a 3.20 FIP while striking out 19 batters and walking zero over 17.1 innings pitched. These numbers are better than his career marks, but Salas has been reliably capable over the course of his seven-year career in the major leagues. He will turn 31 in 2017.
With this signing, the Mets address some of the concerns regarding middle relief. The likes of Hansel Robles, Erik Goeddel, Josh Edgin, Josh Smoker, and Sean Gilmartin move further down the depth chart. Given the Mets’ shortage of left-handers, however, the right-handers Robles and Goeddel are likely the most affected by this news.