Mets Close To Signing Ex-Phillies, Rays Hurler After Strong Season
The New York Mets could have another veteran reliever in the bullpen soon.
New York has been linked to a handful of hurlers this offseason and it sounds like it could land one very soon. The Mets reportedly are "close to an agreement" on a deal with former Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays hurler Jake Diekman, according to The Athletics' Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal.
"The Mets are close to an agreement with left-handed reliever Jake Diekman, league sources told me and Ken Rosenthal," Sammon said.
Diekman would be a very interesting pickup for the Mets if they can close the deal. He may not be the biggest name available, but he has a career 3.82 ERA in 12 seasons. Plus, he was very impressive last season after joining the Rays.
The 37-year-old began the season with the White Sox but was designated for assignment and released after just 13 appearances. Diekman signed with the Rays shortly after and made 50 appearances and compiled a 2.18 ERA and 53-to-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Rays also helped Diekman change his delivery in order to cut down on his walks, and it worked out given his stellar results following the adjustment.
Diekman was selected in the 30th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft by the Phillies and eventually made his big league debut with the club in 2012.
The Mets' bullpen has been an area of need this offseason and the club recently brought back Adam Ottavino. Landing Diekman is another solid move. New York may end up having a sneaky good bullpen in 2024.
