The Mets’ desire for additional left-handed relief help has team officials focused on Jake Diekman.
Diekman and the Mets were working toward finalizing a major league contract on Thursday, according to sources. The Athletic first reported the sides were close on a deal.
Diekman, 37, appeared in 63 games last season for the White Sox and Rays and posted a 3.34 ERA.
He would join Brooks Raley in the Mets’ bullpen to give the team a second left-handed relief option.
The Mets had been pursuing lefty Wandy Peralta before he accepted a four-year deal from the Padres worth a reported $16.5 million.
The Mets, according to sources, had also been considering Brad Hand and Aaron Loup – both of whom previously pitched for the team – as relief options.
Last weekend, Adam Ottavino returned to the Mets’ bullpen on a one-year contract worth $4.5 million.
The right-hander had previously opted out from his deal with the Mets for next season worth $6.5 million that included deferrals.
The Mets’ bullpen rebuild this offseason has included Jorge Lopez’s arrival on a one-year deal worth $2 million.
The team also signed Michael Tonkin to a split contract that will pay him $1 million if he’s on the major league roster.
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