Nice summary giving the pros, cons and risk factor for guys the Mets should have an interest in this offseason. Here’s part of the write-up on Adam Ottavino:

The bad: He’s one season removed from a 5.06 ERA and 39 walks in 53⅓ innings. He had Tommy John surgery in 2015. His ERA increased from 1.62 in the first half to 3.51 in the second half and his SO/BB ratio fell from 3.72 to 2.50. He allowed 24 stolen bases — fourth-most in the majors among all pitchers, an incredible result for a relief pitcher.

Source: David Schoenfield, ESPN.com

7 comments on “Evaluating risk factors for top 10 free-agent relievers

  • Pete

    I would still like to see the Mets sign Familia having already been exposed to New York and the pressures that come along with it. Robertson should be plan B.

  • Metsense

    The Mets need two good relievers who are consistent, experienced and affordable. I would take Familia and Robertson with Herrera being Plan B.

  • Name

    Oh how far Ramos has fallen. He doesn’t even crack ESPN’s top 10 reliever list, who for some reason decided to rank Jesse Chavez and Tyson Ross.

    • Brian Joura

      Which prompts the question – if he’s healthy and available for $2 million (or less) – do you want him back?

      • Name

        Oh for sure. I’d gladly welcome him back at that price. My approach to the bullpen would be to stockpile as many 1 year 1-4 mil players, play them, and then discard the ones that don’t work out after 2 months.

        And if the team is winning and i need more reinforcements, trade away crappy minor league pieces for better bullpen pieces, like the A’s did for Familia or Nats did for Herrera.

        • TJ

          Name, I agree with the stockpile approach but I think they still need to nab a guy that has some pedigree. And, if they go for the 1-4 mil players, it nedds to be a bunch, as in 3-4. Ottavino scares me, as he could be this winter’s Swarzak. Kimbrel scares me because of the required investment. I’ll splurge on one of Robertson, Familia, and Hererra, and then go for quantity. The challenge with the quantity approach will be with the 40 man roster spots.

          Another approach would be to add a solid SP to go with a proven pen arm, then let Matz/Vargas battle it out for the remaining starting spot, with the loser added to the pen. Then bring in a bunch of non-roster invites to battle it out for the remaining pen spots with those young fireballers. I’d rather put $30-$40 mil into a Happ-type starter than a Kimbrel or Britton.

  • Pete

    Does signing 2 A+ relievers bust the budget for an upgrade at the catcher position? I wouldn’t trade for Realmuto until the price comes down (way down). Does the team non tender TDA and Flores? Frees up about 9 million dollars.

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