Mets reportedly still in the market for a ‘higher-tier’ reliever

Kenley Jansen, Phillies, Red Sox, Mets
Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Time and time again it’s been proven that relief pitching can win not only games, but World Series titles. A bad bullpen can be the difference in a short postseason series because protecting leads and keeping teams in games becomes increasingly difficult against the best hitters in the world. The New York Mets are very much aware of this and want to build a bullet-proof bullpen, especially knowing that their rotation is not quite that caliber.

This is why the Mets are reportedly interested in at least one prominent reliever in what is left of free agency. Thankfully for the Mets, there are still plenty of top names populating the market even after Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, and Jeff Hoffman signed.

The Mets are reportedly still in the market for a reliever

David Stearns, Mets, Twins
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Mets did sign left-hander reliever AJ Minter to a two-year, $22 million deal just a few days ago, but they want more. Andy Martino of SNY reported that president of baseball operations David Stearns is trying to sign another reliever, but the tier of said pitcher will depend on the Pete Alonso pursuit:

“If you go get a Kenley Jansen or somebody kind of on the expensive side reliever, then it becomes even harder to sign Alonso,” Martino noted. “If you get Ryne Stanek or something — to bring him back — maybe there’s a little more room for Alonso. So all these pieces are kind of related, but all of that is to say reliever.”

The quality of the reliever the Mets will pursue will depend on Pete Alonso

Oct 18, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) reacts after being hit by a pitch during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

If the Mets sign Alonso, they would probably pivot to a cheaper gamble at reliever, rather than a prominent name. On the other hand, if they fail to secure the Polar Bear’s signature, they could shop for a higher-priced reliever, such as Jansen or a David Robertson. The Mets do have time on their side and it’s likely that they want to solve the Alonso conundrum before committing to a specific reliever.

Jansen, Robertson, Carlos Estevez, Danny Coulombe, Dylan Floro, Craig Kimbrel, and Scott Barkow are some of the relief pitchers still available.

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