After losing out on Tommy Hunter and Bryan Shaw, the Mets struck a deal with Anthony Swarzak to bolster the bullpen.
It’s happening! The New York Mets finally made a move at the Winter Meetings after a weekend of restless fans and a big-ticket acquisition from their cross-town rivals.
The team’s top priority heading into the offseason was adding a reliever to the bullpen mix. On Wednesday morning, they did just that, signing Anthony Swarzak to a two-year, $14 million deal.
The Mets have signed reliever Anthony Swarzak to a two-year deal, source confirms. He posted a 2.33 ERA, 10.6 K/9 over 70 appearances last season.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 13, 2017
Swarzak is a 32-year-old right-hander who appeared in 70 games last season split between the Brewers and White Sox. He strictly throws a fastball-slider combination, but that did not stop him from producing elite numbers last season.
And even though he is not a closer, Swarzak did record two saves in 2017, which should be considered noteworthy due to manager Mickey Callaway’s recent comments regarding fluid roles in the bullpen.
Swarzak has impressive control (2.6 BB/9) and knows how to make batters swing-and-miss, as evidenced by his 10.6 K/9. His WAR of 2.7 from last year is far and away better than any reliever the Mets currently have penciled into the bullpen.
Adding a pitcher of his caliber creates a solid core four in the bullpen heading into 2018. He will join AJ Ramos, Jeurys Familia, and Jerry Blevins as late-inning options.
Interestingly enough, the best role for Swarzak in 2018 may come against left-handed hitters. Yes, you heard me right—he’s a righty who dominates lefties.
Despite throwing exclusively a fastball and slider, Anthony Swarzak is death on lefties, who hit one home run against him all last season. (.196/.294/.281 overall.)
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 13, 2017
Swarzak’s ability to get lefties out will come up big for the Mets bullpen, who lacked a second option for left-handed hitters behind Jerry Blevins in 2017.
This is especially important in the NL East, considering the division’s top left-handed bats such as Freddie Freeman, Daniel Murphy, and Bryce Harper. This signing was a step in the right direction for the Mets and also filled a pressing need.
