The Mets have interest in free agent left-handed reliever Brad Hand, reports Jon Heyman.
Mets have interest in star closer Brad Hand, who had a 2.05 ERA, 1.37 FIP and 0.77 WHIP and led the AL with 16 saves. Sandy Alderson mentioned back at the time that the new regime might have claimed Hand when he was on waivers had it been their call then.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 4, 2021
Hand, 30, was placed on outright waivers by the Cleveland Indians in October due to a money crunch, with him clearing waivers and becoming a free agent.
Shortly after being introduced as the Mets’ new president, Sandy Alderson said that the timing of Hand hitting the waiver wire didn’t quite work out for New York due to the front office being in flux.
Hand, 30, has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball since 2016, posting a 2.70 ERA (2.92 FIP) and 1.06 WHIP while striking out 12.2 batters per 9 and saving 104 games in 320 IP.
In 2020, Hand had a 2.05 ERA (1.37 FIP) and 0.77 WHIP while striking out 29 batters in 22 IP.
In addition to hand, the Mets have been linked to free agent reliever Liam Hendriks, who has been dominant for the Oakland Athletics over the last two seasons.
Earlier this offseason, the Mets added power right-hander Trevor May to a bullpen that is expected to include Edwin Diaz, Seth Lugo (if he isn’t in the rotation),Dellin Betances, and Jeurys Familia.
While the Mets have several relievers who can cross over and face both righties and lefties, the acquisition of Hand would give them a truly dominant left-hander in the bullpen.
Hand would also give the Mets another option to close games to go along with Diaz and perhaps Lugo.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].