New York Mets: 1 trade, 1 signing and 1 prospect to win the World Series
By Kevin Henry
Mets rumors: Sign Andrew Chafin
Take a look at the projected bullpen makeup for the Mets in 2023 (via FanGraphs) and you will notice that there is only one left-handed option among the relievers. By signing veteran reliever Andrew Chafin, the Mets could not only add another southpaw into the mix, but also bring a bit of postseason experience and another late-inning option as well.
Over the last two seasons, the 32-year-old Chafin has thrown a combined 86.2 innings and has posted an ERA of 2.29, FIP of 3.02, a 176 ERA+, a 3.02 FIP, and 94 strikeouts against 26 walks. Opponents hit .186 against him in 2021 and .222 in 2022, so there’s plenty of reason to think his recent success could continue with whatever team signs him.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) has reported that the Mets would like to add a left-hander to the bullpen, but bringing in someone like Chafin who can’t be optioned to the minors creates a logjam of veteran relievers who must be kept on the MLB roster. Still, if he is the best answer to an issue in the bullpen, one has to believe that Cohen and his crew will figure out a way to make it all work and give the Mets the best chance of winning the game, including in the late innings.