BREAKING: Mets to land Rangers superstar closer to counteract bullpen dry spells from 2024
The New York Mets have the opportunity to eliminate all question marks from their bullpen next season by signing one of the top relievers in MLB on the open market.
Mets tied to FA superstar closer Kirby Yates
The Sporting News’ Jackson Roberts emphasised a relationship that one MLB analyst drew between former Texas Rangers closer Kirby Yates and the Mets, saying:
“Recently, Allison Waxman of Metsmerized Online listed 2024 All-Star Kirby Yates, most recently of the Texas Rangers, among the top free-agent fits for the Mets’ bullpen this winter,” according to Roberts.
Roberts justified the probable match by stating:
According to Tim Britton of The Athletic, Yates is expected to sign a one-year contract worth $10.5 million. Even though he’s in his late 30s, it’s difficult to see Yates making the Mets regret a one-year contract in the midst of this spending frenzy,” Roberts added.
Mets: Yates still has a lot to offer a team at advanced age
In his debut season with the Rangers, Yates reduced his ERA to a career-low 1.17. His WHIP also dropped to 0.83. Yates was sensationally effective and clutch, ranking sixth in the Majors with 33 saves in 2024. He made the most of his 34 save opportunities, demonstrating that at 37 years old, he still has elite-level talent left in him.
The Mets would have to carefully evaluate the Hawaii native’s age while determining whether to offer him eight figures on a one-year contract. Nonetheless, Yates could have a significant impact on New York in 2025.
Mets: Yates could counteract bullpen dry spells from 2024
Edwin Diaz, the Mets’ great closer, experienced several chilly spells in 2024. Throughout the season, he appeared in the seventh and eighth innings as the coaching staff sought to limit his seven blown saves and return him to A-class action.
Thus, New York could bring Yates on board, creating a two-headed monster capable of closing the show for the franchise in high-pressure situations. If the team signs Yates and keeps Diaz in the ninth inning, he could potentially function as a grade-A setup guy in the eighth.