The Mets addressed a big need Friday with the signing of free agent reliever Fernando Salas. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting that the Mets have come to terms with Salas on a one-year deal, pending a physical.
Financial terms have not been disclosed and ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick is reporting that Salas is still in his native Mexico and must return to New York in order to undergo a physical.
Jose Reyes to the outfield?
The right-handed Salas went 3-7 with a 3.91 ERA over 75 appearances between the Angels and Mets last season. After struggling with Los Angeles, he came to New York prior to the August 31 trade deadline in exchange for minor league right-hander Erik Manoah.
Salas’ season turned around almost immediately in New York. Despite playing the same role as he did in Los Angeles as the first right-hander out of the bullpen, his numbers improved across the board in 17 appearances for the Mets. In 17.1 relief innings, Salas went 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA, walked none and struck out 19. He was an important part of a bullpen that helped the Mets reach the postseason after their starting pitching depth was significantly depleted.
A seven-year veteran, Salas throws a three-pitch mix with a fastball that sits in the low-90s.
The Mets have been lacking a veteran setup man and have been rumored to be in talks to bring back left-hander Jerry Blevins as well. They lost right-hander Logan Verrett in a trade to Baltimore and are expected to lose closer Jeurys Familia to a lengthy suspension for an Oct. 31 domestic violence incident.
Abbey Mastracco may be reached at amastracco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @abbeymastracco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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