The New York Mets have reportedly checked in on two relief pitchers from the Detroit Tigers as the trade deadline approaches.
The July 31 MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching, and some ballclubs are gearing up to move a few players to get a rental or maybe some future prospects. One of these teams is the New York Mets, who could be looking to upgrade their bullpen.
Currently, the Mets bullpen is ranked 28th in the major leagues with a 5.57 ERA. They also lead the majors with 21 blown saves thus far in 2019. Therefore, it’s safe to say moves need to be made to improve the pen.
Some of the individuals that have been discussed in potential trade scenarios are starting pitchers Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler and Jason Vargas, along with third baseman Todd Frazier. And according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press, the Mets have checked in on two relievers from the Detroit Tigers.
Ultimately, the Mets are interested in Joe Jimenez and Shane Greene.
Jimenez, thus far in 2019, is 2-6 with a 4.81 ERA. However, Jimenez is one year removed from an All-Star appearance and he has 51 strikeouts against just 16 walks this season. Jimenez won’t be a free agent until 2024.
The closer, Greene, is an All-Star this year and has been lights out in 2019. The 30-year-old reliever is posting an ERA of 1.09. Greene has 22 saves this year for the Tigers.
At the end of the day, an upgrade at the closer spot would be big for the Mets. Their current closer, Edwin Diaz, just isn’t getting it done on the mound this year. Through 37 appearances, Diaz is 1-6 with an ERA of 5.50. He’s posted 19 saves, but also has four blown saves, which has very much contributed to the Mets’ bullpen woes.
