The New York Mets are collecting high-powered right-handed relievers. They know that a dominant bullpen is one of the keys to winning a championship, and new owner Steve Cohen is determined to earn a ring within his first five years in front of the franchise.
In recent weeks, the New York Mets have secured the services of several relievers, both in minor and major league deals. They have inked Sam McWilliams, Jacob Barnes, Jared Robinson, Trevor Hildenberger, and of course, Trevor May.
Now, according to SNY’s Andy Martino, they are showing interest in perhaps the best and most dominant bullpen piece available in the free agent market: Liam Hendriks, the former closer of the Oakland A’s.
May, so far, has been the highest-profile free agent to sign with the Mets. However, they apparently want to build a super bullpen that can compete with every unit in the bigs. If Seth Lugo doesn’t start, the group could be dominant, and features Edwin Diaz, May, Lugo, Brad Brach, Jeurys Familia, Dellin Betances, Erasmo Ramirez, and others.
Will the Mets get Hendriks?
Martino entertains the possibility of the Mets going after starter Jake Odorizzi and Hendriks as opposed to focusing on Trevor Bauer, which makes sense if they fail to land the latter.
For what is worth, Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reported that the Blue Jays are also interested in Hendriks.
The 31-year-old flamethrower has been absolutely lights out in the last two seasons in the heart of the A’s bullpen. This season, he had a 1.78 ERA and a 1.14 FIP in 25.1 innings, with an amazing 13.14 K/9 and 1.07 BB/9.
He is perhaps more famous for his performance in 2019, though, where he had a 3.9 fWAR season in 85.0 relief innings. That is more than most starters can brag about. It’s easy to see why the Mets are interested in Hendriks, but he will likely command top dollar on a multiyear contract given his monster numbers.