The New York Mets need another good left-handed reliever after Justin Wilson became a free agent. If Steve Cohen owned the team when Brad Hand was waived, he would already be a Met. Now that Hand is a free agent, he would be a good fit in their bullpen.
Hey @StevenACohen2
This is Brad Hand.
He’s good.
Would be a good signing.
pic.twitter.com/eXEyM7sH3E— Mills (@MillManner) January 4, 2021
Hand has a 2.70 ERA since his transformation to a full-time reliever in 2016. While the Mets want Liam Hendriks in the bullpen, they do not need him. Edwin Diaz, Seth Lugo, Trevor May, and potentially Dellin Betances are all late-inning relief options. Hand is an upgrade to Wilson and is much cheaper than Hendriks.
Freddie Freeman, Juan Soto, and Bryce Harper are just a few of the fearsome left-handers in the NL East. Hand can neutralize them while completing the ninth inning against right-handed hitters due to the three-batter minimum. Much like an offense, the more dynamic a bullpen can be, the better chance of success each reliever has.
While the Mets wait for a decision on Trevor Bauer and George Springer, Hand is a good signing which continues to solidify the roster. It is clear the Mets are interested, but can they seal the deal for their first signing of 2021.