Brandon Lyon, Mets reportedly close to contract agreement

Free-agent Brandon Lyon and the Mets are nearing a deal to bring Lyon to New York,  ESPN New York's Adam Rubin reported on Sunday.

Lyon would come as the latest addition to the Mets' offseason revamping of their bullpen. They have also signed right-handers LaTroy Hawkins and Scott Atchison and added left-hander Pedro Feliciano on minor-league contracts. The Mets ranked 29th out of 30 major-league teams in bullpen ERA last season. Their 4.65 ERA was only topped by the Milwaukee Brewers' 4.66.

The 33-year-old Lyon had a 3.10 ERA and 1.25 WHIP last season, splitting time between the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays. In 67 appearances, he struck out 63 batters while walking only 20.

Lyon also has experience closing, though he hasn't done so on a full-time basis since his 2010 season with the Astros. He has 79 career saves. Rubin tweeted, though, that the team doesn't view Lyon as a potential closer: