The New York Mets are among the most active teams in the offseason so far. They have been busy in a positive way, not like other clubs that are merely trimming some salary obligations.
By bringing relief pitching Trevor May in the free agency period, the New York Mets filled a pressing need, which was improving the bullpen. May was among the best relievers in the market and has seen his fastball velocity increase three straight seasons.
But the Mets have also been very active in identifying high-upside minor league players. They signed relievers Sam McWilliams and Jacob Barnes, as well as utility player Robel Garcia, who was claimed off waivers.
Now, the Mets signed right-handed pitcher Jared Robinson to a minor league contract, according to what sources told Fansided writer Robert Murray. Robinson is still young, at 26 years old, and in his last season in 2019, he had a 3.34 ERA with 97 strikeouts over 70 innings between the High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A affiliates of the Cleveland Indians.
Some organizational depth for the Mets, with some upside
Robinson is a former 11th-round pick. He will offer the Mets some organizational relief depth with 2021 (and the future) in mind.
Robinson has some upside by virtue of his strikeout rate, and could find himself contributing in the Mets’ bullpen. However, the team is building quite a deep group, highlighted by swing-and-miss artist Edwin Diaz. Bounceback candidates Dellin Betances and Brad Brach are returning, while Robert Gsellman, Seth Lugo, Barnes, May, Miguel Castro, Jeurys Familia, and Erasmo Ramirez could all be in the mix.
The Mets are still in the hunt for free agents as they seek to improve a roster that finished 26-34 (last place in the NL East) in the shortened 2020 season. They are reportedly after center fielder George Springer, catchers James McCann and J.T. Realmuto, and starting pitcher Trevor Bauer, among other top targets.