The Mets still could use a bat for the middle of the lineup, but they did bolster their bullpen Wednesday, agreeing to a two-year deal worth $12 million for lefty Antonio Bastardo, according to a source.
The 30-year-old Bastardo spent last season in Pittsburgh after six years with the Phillies and has developed into a consistent arm, especially over the past three seasons.
In six full major league seasons, Bastardo has put up similar numbers most seasons. With the Pirates in 2015, he was 4-1 with a 2.98 ERA in 57 ¹/₃ innings over 66 games.
During his career, he has held left-handed hitters to a .595 OPS and last year was even better, limiting them to a .448 OPS. His numbers against righties have been good, as well, holding them to a .640 OPS in his career.
According to sources, Bastardo had been seeking a three-year, $18 million deal similar to the one signed by 32-year-old Tony Sipp with the Astros last month — but the Mets were unwilling to go the extra year after initially being interested in just a one-year contract.
The Dodgers, Blue Jays and Orioles had reportedly been interested in Bastardo.
Bastardo will join a bullpen anchored by closer Jeurys Familia that will also include Addison Reed and Jerry Blevins, who is expected to be healthy after missing most of 2015. Josh Edgin, still recovering from Tommy John surgery, should also be back.
Other candidates include Hansel Robles, Erik Goeddel and Carlos Torres, while Sean Gilmartin is another possibility. Gilmartin had been the Mets’ lone healthy left-hander before Bastardo’s arrival and he’s not considered a lefty specialist.
Southpaw Alex Torres signed a minor league deal with the Braves this offseason.
Tyler Clippard, who came to the Mets at last year’s trade deadline, also remains unsigned.
Perhaps Bastardo’s most significant flaw is his control. While his strikeout numbers have been consistently solid, he has averaged more than four walks per nine innings in each of his full seasons.