![]() ![]() Fastball is 98 to 99 (mph) with finish and his slider has been good. ![]() Picollo about Chapman and he was positive: “Aroldis worked extremely hard this offseason to regain and repeat his delivery from a few years ago, and so far (this spring) he’s been outstanding. If the Mets don’t like the asking prices on the five relievers above, perhaps they should do what the Royals are doing now and take a flier on Aroldis Chapman. David Bednar, RHP, PiratesĪroldis Chapman (Joe Camporeale / USA Today) The Royals signed Aroldis Chapman in the offseason and could use him as their closer if they dealt Barlow, who is under team control for two more years. He’s been solid in the closer role for Kansas City, converting 24 of 28 save opportunities last year. ![]() Scott Barlow relies heavily on his secondary pitches, throwing his 84 mph slider nearly 45 percent of the time and his curveball 31 percent of the time, and for good reason: Opponents hit just. That said, the trade cost for Díaz, who isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2025, would be steep. His fastball spin rate ranked in the 100th percentile and his Whiff% was in the 97th percentile. Díaz is a two-pitch reliever with a 96 to 98 mph fastball and a hard 87 mph slider. If the Mets landed Alexis Díaz, he could at first be used as a set-up man in front of Robertson and given the opportunity to earn the closer role. The Reds are “all-in” on their rebuild and if they can “win” a prospect trade, GM Nick Krall would pull the trigger. I’m not sure there would be a better way for the Mets to temporarily replace Edwin Díaz in the closer role than to acquire his brother, Alexis. Bard is signed through 2024 on a two-year, $19 million deal. He posted a 1.59 ERA on the road and a 1.97 ERA at home, a close split given the Coors Field factor. His 圎RA/xwOBA was in the 95th percentile, and his Barrell% was in the 89th percentile. Bard’s fastball spin rate and fastball velocity each ranked in the 97th percentile. Daniel Bard had a tremendous 2022 season, recording career-high velocities on his fastball, which averaged 98 mph, and his slider, which averaged 88 mph. The Rockies are picked by most to finish in last place again so there is little reason for them to keep a 37-year-old closer. (Statistics are from the 2022 season unless otherwise noted. Here are six trade targets general manager Billy Eppler could consider as the Mets begin to navigate the 2023 season without Díaz. But I do think their farm system is deep enough to make a trade that would appeal to both teams, if they focus on trade targets strictly on non-contending teams that are rebuilding. I’m not suggesting they need to do it right away, nor should they “overpay” by offering any of their top-five prospects. However, I think the Mets’ best play would be to trade for a closer. Robertson might deserve the first shot at the role, but if the Mets initially go with internal options, I would guess manager Buck Showalter will use some sort of committee based on the best matchups. They have options to fill the void left by Díaz’s injury, including a couple of in-house relievers: David Robertson, 37, has 157 career saves and recorded a total of 20 last season for the Cubs and Phillies Adam Ottavino, 37, has 33 career saves, including 11 for the Red Sox in 2021. Therefore, addressing the closer role is important for the Mets. This year, with the Braves and Phillies also capable of winning the division and World Series, the East is expected to be a season-long battle. The Mets won 101 games last year but were edged by the Braves at the wire. ![]() The margins in the National League East, the toughest division in baseball, are so tight. ![]()
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