New York Mets: Hidden free agent bullpen gems still on the market
RHP Santiago Casilla
2016 Season stats – 58.0 IP, 31 SV, 3.57 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 19 BB/65 K
[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ormer San Francisco Giants closer Santiago Casilla is in a similar situation as Papelbon, except without the statistical falling out. His 31 saves last season was the second highest total in his five-plus years closing games for San Fran.Although he is 36-years-old, it’s a wonder that the Giants haven’t made a stronger effort to bring Casilla back, as he had a 2.42 ERA during his time by the bay.
Because he is older, Alderson could theoretically sign Casilla for a cheaper contract than a lot of the other bigger names that have signed so far like Brett Cecil and Mike Dunn.
His past job as a “sandman” would provide Collins with some options toward the end of tight games. It would also create a pretty intimidating Big Three at the back end of the ‘pen with Reed and eventually Familia already there.
[sc name=”Mets Link Slideshow” link=”elitesportsny.com/2017/01/10/new-york-mets-hidden-free-agent-bullpen-gems-still-on-the-market/7/” text=”Bring them back!” ]
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.
