The New York Mets are making moves in their quest to bolster their bullpen. After losing out on Wandy Peralta, they have shifted their focus to left-handed reliever Jake Diekman. Sources say that the Mets are on the verge of reaching an agreement with Diekman. While the deal is not yet finalized pending a physical, there is optimism that it will be completed soon.
Diekman, a talented left-handed reliever, would be a valuable addition to the Mets’ bullpen. With his experience and skillset, he could provide much-needed support to the team’s pitching staff. The Mets have been actively pursuing options to strengthen their roster, and Diekman seems to be a top priority for them.
The Mets’ interest in Diekman comes after their failed attempt to acquire Peralta. However, they have quickly shifted their focus and are now working towards securing a deal with Diekman. This shows the team’s determination to address their bullpen needs and improve their chances of success in the upcoming season.
As negotiations continue, Mets fans eagerly await the outcome. If the deal with Diekman goes through, it would be a significant boost for the team’s bullpen. Diekman’s addition would provide depth and versatility, giving the Mets more options and flexibility in their pitching strategies.
Overall, the Mets are making strides in their pursuit of Jake Diekman. While the deal is not yet finalized, there is optimism that an agreement will be reached soon. Diekman’s potential arrival would be a welcome addition for the Mets, as they look to strengthen their bullpen and compete at a high level in the upcoming season.
Diekman Joins Mets in Ninth MLB Team
In a surprising move, the New York Mets have added Jake Diekman to their roster for the upcoming season. Diekman, a 37-year-old pitcher, has previously played for eight other teams in his MLB career. These include the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays.
Diekman’s performance in the 2023 regular season was impressive, especially during his time with the Rays. He recorded a 3.34 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 64 strikeouts in 56.2 innings. This marked his best ERA since 2017, excluding the shortened 2020 season. After joining the Rays in May, Diekman’s stats significantly improved. He achieved a 2.18 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 45.1 innings in Tampa Bay, compared to a disappointing 7.94 ERA and 2.12 WHIP at the start of the season in Chicago.
Diekman’s success continued into the postseason, where he made one appearance and posted a perfect 0.00 ERA with 2 strikeouts. His ability to handle high-leverage situations proved valuable for the Rays.
Reports indicate that the Mets offered Diekman a one-year deal with a vesting option, similar to the offer they made to Peralta. The team had offered Peralta a two-year contract with a club option, but he ultimately signed with the Padres for a more lucrative deal. Diekman’s guaranteed value for the 2024 season is estimated to be between $4-5 million, a significant increase from his previous one-year, $720K contract with the Rays.
The Mets’ bullpen was a weak point for the team in the 2023 season, ranking 22nd in MLB with a 4.45 ERA. Despite being linked to multiple free agent relievers, the team has yet to make any substantial improvements this offseason. The re-signing of Adam Ottavino, who led the Mets’ relievers in strikeouts last year, only puts the team in the same position as before.
With the addition of Diekman, the Mets hope to address their bullpen issues in a budget-friendly manner. Diekman’s strong performance in 2023, especially in Tampa Bay, makes him an attractive option for the team. The Mets have already made moves to strengthen their starting rotation by signing Severino, Manaea, and Houser. Now, their focus turns to bolstering their bullpen before the start of the season.
As the Mets aim for a comeback in 2024, the addition of Diekman brings hope to the team and its fans. The upcoming season will be crucial for the Mets to prove themselves and turn their fortunes around.
