The Mets should go “all in” on Dellin Betances

Close to competing late last season, one of the main issues with the Mets (besides the manager) was a low-rated bullpen. With a combined 4.99 ERA, the Mets’ bullpen was one of the worst in all of baseball. Now, General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen must prove he is truly committed to this team winning, while not going over the limit.

With a plethora of relievers on the market, there are a few that stick out. One man who could do wonders for the Mets knows the New York scene very well. Injuries might have not made him a sexy pickup for 2020, but the Mets would be wise to go after former New York Yankee Dellin Betances.

At 31 years old, Betances is one of the most desirable options available this offseason. In seven+ seasons with the Yankees, the reliever posted a 2.36 ERA with 621 strikeouts. The four-time All-Star has struck out 100+ batters in five straight seasons. In 2018, he posted a 4-6 record with a 2.70 ERA and 115 strikeouts with a 1.7 WAR. A premier setup man for the Yankees, Betances can be used for multiple innings and has been known to close a game or two. Compare him to David Robertson, who was able to hone his craft outside of the Yankees.

One of the deterrents of signing Betances would be the result of the unknown. Last season, he dealt with a number of injuries that ended up costing him his season. Those injuries included a bone spur and an impingement in his throwing shoulder, a lat strain and a partially torn Achilles tendon. As a result, he only pitched in 0.2 innings. With rehab out of the way, it is expected Betances will be good to go by Spring Training.

Betances could end up being extremely useful for the Mets. If by some chance the Mets don’t bring back Zack Wheeler and Seth Lugo enters the rotation, the struggling Edwin Diaz could use someone to hold the fort down for him. While Betances’ previous durability will be tested, the Mets may end up looking like geniuses if it pays off.

The recent injuries could benefit the Mets, as Betances only made $7 million with the Yankees. They wouldn’t need to go over $30 million and could be reasonable with the years, especially with a team option. Whether he takes it is another story.

If 2020 is the time to take the Mets serious, they need to provide proof. Free agency goes by fast, and the team doesn’t want the trend of being taken advantage of continue. Adding Betances, an obvious gamble, would be a good start.