New York Mets: Hidden free agent bullpen gems still on the market

Chris Thompson • 01/10/2017

Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Travis Wood (37) pitches during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

LHP Travis Wood

2016 Season stats – 61.0 IP, 2.95 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 24 BB/47 K

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ormer 2013 All-Star starter Travis Wood made a full-time transition to the bullpen last season for the Chicago Cubs for the first time in his career. And the lefty definitely impressed.

Wood limited southpaws to a non-existent .128 average and .447 OPS, completely fulfilling his role as a lefty specialist for Cubs manager Joe Maddon.

He did falter a bit against right-handed hitters though, allowing a .265 average, 12 doubles and six home runs over 132 plate appearances versus them. But a .228 average in such situations in 2015 suggests that he does have the ability to fix that issue.

A move to sign Wood would not only give a proven lefty to throw into the mix with the trio they currently have, but it would allow Collins to use him as a long reliever/spot starter as well, considering his six years in that role in the majors.

[sc name=”Mets Link Slideshow” link=”elitesportsny.com/2017/01/10/new-york-mets-hidden-free-agent-bullpen-gems-still-on-the-market/3/” text=”A 2015 MLB champion” ]

Chris Thompson

Chris recently graduated with a Journalism degree from Montclair State University. Baseball is his love and he hopes to bring back some of the old-school popularity to the game.

Chris Thompson covers the NY Jets and NY Mets for Elite Sports NY. You can interact with him on Twitter @Time2Topher.

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