Mets to re-sign relievers Jerry Blevins, Fernando Salas
The New York Mets bolstered their bullpen Friday by bringing back relievers Jerry Blevins and Fernando Salas on free-agent deals, according to multiple reports.
Blevins' deal was first reported by FanRag Sports and is expected to be in the range of $6 million, according to the New York Post. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick confirmed the Salas signing, which is for $3 million, according to multiple reports.
Both pitchers finished last season with the Mets. Blevins, 33, compiled a 2.79 ERA and 52/15 K/BB to go along with a 45.8 percent ground-ball rate across 73 appearances in 2016. Opponents hit just .229 against the southpaw.
Salas, 31, began last season with the Los Angeles Angels before a midseason trade to the Mets. While in New York, he gave up only four runs in 17 1/3 innings (2.08 ERA), with 19 strikeouts and no walks. Overall, the seven-year veteran finished the season with a 3.91 ERA across 73 2/3 innings of work.
According to Crasnick, Salas is currently in Mexico and must travel to New York for a physical before his deal is complete.
The Mets' bullpen combined for a 3.53 ERA in 2016, which was sixth best in the majors.
The Mets also signed veteran left-hander Tom Gorzelanny to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training, according to multiple reports.
