Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The Mets have been related to the starting pitcher Trevor Bauer weighing in on the last two weeks, but the team is considering a plan B in case an agreement doesn’t materialize.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Mets are the chance to sign the right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi if they do fan when signing Bauer. The Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants and Minnesota Twins have also been in contact with the Illinois native.
Odorizzi, on March 31, is the second best arm left in the free agent market behind Bauer. The Mets bonded with him before the low season, but conversations narrowed as the low season progressed.
The nine-year veteran has spent the past three years with the twins after a February 2018 trade with Tampa Bay rays.
Odorizzi participated in just four games during the shortened 2020 season, but had the best career year of 2019, appearing in his first All-Star Game and recording 4.3 fWAR.
For his career, Odorizzi has an ERA of 3.92, a FIP of 4.12 and a 4.43 xFIP.
On the plate, Odorizzi will not fly the batsmen as his fast ball speed during his last full season stood at the 23rd percentile, while his fast turn was at the 39th percentile, according to Estatcast.
Still, Odorizzi finds a way to get a decent amount of attacks, as he has 995 in 1,042.1 professional entries. Its fan rate in 2019 was also solid, standing at the 67th percentile, and the unemployment rate at the 73rd percentile.
MLB commercial rumors he projected earlier this winter that Odorizzi would secure a three-year, $ 39 million deal. If the Mets pivoted toward him instead of Bauer, it would also allow them to cover other needs around the diamond, such as in midfield and third base.
Odorizzi is represented by Excel Sports Management.
