Mets Bullpen Likely Drawing Interest From AL West Contender

The New York Mets should be parting ways with a lot of veteran players in the coming days as the Aug. 3 trade deadline is right around the corner.

At 44-62, the Mets have been the biggest disappointment across the league and their plan to focus on run prevention has been a massive disaster. New York is one of few teams that is a bona fide seller at the deadline, which is hard to do when so many teams are still hanging around the playoff picture.

The Mets will offload several pitchers, both within the starting rotation and bullpen, as well as try to move on from center fielder Luis Robert Jr. and any other veteran position player that draws interest.

Just about every team with a shot needs pitching in some capacity, and the Mets should be able to cash in with this year being a seller’s market. Right-hander Freddy Peralta knows he’s going to be dealt, and although the compensation package won’t be much because of his contract status as well as his performance, a team will still overpay for his services.

Right-hander Clay Holmes could be moved as well and he’s drawing a lot of interest amid his rehab assignment. Holmes was pitching very well before taking the comebacker that has had him sidelined since mid-May, posting a 4-4 record with a 2.39 ERA and 1.10 WHIP through nine starts.

Almost everyone in New York’s bullpen will be available, and there’s reason to believe the Texas Rangers will be calling the Mets regarding some late-inning arms.

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Rangers are a team seeking bullpen help but don’t want to break the bank. New York has several inexpensive options to choose from as well as one that would elevate Texas to another level if they ponied up.

“But one way or another, Texas is expected to add help to a bullpen that went into play Sunday ranked 19th among 30 teams in ERA, at 4.21,” Olney wrote Sunday.

“The Rangers are not expected to take on much payroll with their deadline acquisitions -- if any -- which could limit the range of options for them, unless their trade partners can absorb some of the salary costs of players going to Texas.”

Four relievers come to mind: RHP Huascar Brazoban, RHP Luke Weaver, left-hander Brooks Raley and LHP A.J. Minter.

Brazoban is 4-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 1.04 WHIP through 43 appearances (six starts, 50 innings). He’s making just north of $1 million this season – making him a perfect option.

Weaver and Minter both signed two-year deals worth $22 million, so Texas may not be interested in taking on either of their contracts, but both have been outstanding this season.

Weaver is 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 43 strikeouts to 11 walks through 40 appearances (42 innings). Minter is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 18 strikeouts to just two walks through 22 games (22 innings).

Raley has been lights-out as well and comes at a cheaper price tag than Weaver and Minter. Making just $5.25 million, Raley is 4-5 with a 2.09 ERA and 1.14 WHIP through 43 appearances (38.2 innings).