Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the Mets are pursuing Jose Valverde "to compete -- or more likely unseat -- Frank Francisco as closer."
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson didn't express much confidence in Francisco as his closer earlier this week, and it appears that he might find a replacement before spring training. Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Wilson are also on Alderson's radar, but it sounds like Valverde is his primary target. Rubin notes, though, that a deal with Valverde "would have to be on the Mets' terms... probably be akin to the contract to which Shaun Marcum agreed ($4 million)." Marcum can make an additional $4 million in incentives, and Valverde would likely have incentives in his deal for games finished or saves. He made $9 million with the Tigers in 2012, when he held a 3.78 ERA while notching 35 saves.
Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports that the Mets are pursuing Jose Valverde "to compete -- or more likely unseat -- Frank Francisco as closer."
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson didn't express much confidence in Francisco as his closer earlier this week, and it appears that he might find a replacement before spring training. Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Wilson are also on Alderson's radar, but it sounds like Valverde is his primary target. Rubin notes, though, that a deal with Valverde "would have to be on the Mets' terms... probably be akin to the contract to which Shaun Marcum agreed ($4 million)." Marcum can make an additional $4 million in incentives, and Valverde would likely have incentives in his deal for games finished or saves. He made $9 million with the Tigers in 2012, when he held a 3.78 ERA while notching 35 saves.