Rumors surfaced yesterday that the New York Mets were
leaving the possibility of signing free agent Jose Valverde open, but it’s “really,
really unlikely” that the team acquires the right-hander, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
A team insider labeled to ESPNNewYork.com the chances of signing free agent Jose Valverde "really, really unlikely."
Valverde has been tied to the Mets on several occasions this offseason, as the team has reportedly been in the market for bullpen upgrades.
This is largely a result of New York being uncomfortable with Frank Francisco
occupying the role of closer.
However, it’s unclear when Francisco will pitch for the
Mets. The right-hander is battling an injury, and Bobby Parnell has slotted in
as closer, with Brandon Lyon and Josh Edgin filling the setup roles.
Valverde is one of the veteran options with closing
experience remaining on the free agent market, but Marc Carig of Newsday
reports that the Mets aren’t in “active pursuit” of the right-hander. Instead,
New York will only enter the market for Valverde if they sustain another
injury.
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