Fansided

Mets signing Fernando Abad is latest subtle addition by front office

By Zach Houle

CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Fernando Abad #54 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait on February 20, 2018 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Fernando Abad #54 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait on February 20, 2018 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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The New York Mets are a healthy starting rotation away from a playoff appearance, and they have improved the team under the radar.

The Mets caught the injury bug on multiple occasions last season. That sunk their season into oblivion and questioned the front office’s drive for success. Mets fans were clamoring for any action in the offseason, and they got it.

This offseason, the club has boosted themselves on both sides of the ball. So, the Mets took to the free agent market and signed slugger Jay Bruce, starter Jason Vargas, and reliever Anthony Swarzak as most notable. Now, the club has inked lefty reliever Fernando Abad to a 1-year deal.

So, New York hasn’t been a flashy team this offseason. Although, the team has answered fan’s prayers and improved their situation. The Mets didn’t sign Jake Arrieta or Eric Hosmer, but they still made moves on the free agent market. The signing of Abad is a symbol of the front office’s notion to upgrade and compete, without being on the front page. Not all moves will generate front-page headlines, but the signing of Abad is a subtle sign that the team is doing something to compete.

Furthermore, the Mets aren’t going to have fun battling the reigning NL East champion Nationals. They have boosted themselves on both sides of the ball to combat them. New York just inked Abad, but should they go after top closer Greg Holland? Absolutely. The club has already taken advantage of the market before, so why not do it again.

The Mets should be an interesting team to watch in 2018, as long as the starting rotation stays healthy.  With top closer Holland still on the market, the club should make a run at him to stabilize the back end of their bullpen. For now, Abad is a southpaw who can get outs from both sides of the plate. He is another under the radar signing to add to the bullpen.

Next: Scott Kingery gets monster deal from Phillies

Overall, the club has done well in improving the club. Sometimes, subtle signings are the name of the game.

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