The New York Mets, still suffering from the patellar tendon injury that will cost All-Star closer Edwin Díaz his season, were one of 10 teams participating in free agent Lefty Zack Britton’s showcase on Friday. according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The Mets’ interest in Britton remains unknown, though he is familiar with manager Buck Showalter from their times together as members of the Baltimore Orioles organization.
Britton, 35, has been limited by his own injuries in recent seasons. Between Tommy John’s surgery and a shoulder condition, he was limited to 19 total innings since the start of the 2021 campaign. Britton hasn’t fared particularly well during that time either, amassing a 6.16 ERA (72 ERA+) and walking three more batters (20) than he has batted in 25 outings (17).
Consider that Britton hasn’t fielded in a game situation in less than two weeks until Opening Day and it’s fair to ask how much he can help a team this season, especially early in the year.
Still, it’s not surprising that Britton is attracting the interest of a third of the league. He’ll likely come in cheap, maybe even in a non-squad deal that will allow him to bounce back into shape at minor league level. He also has an impressive track record, having reached the All-Star Game twice. Britton has also been effective the last time he was fully healthy, having posted a 228 ERA+ in 20 appearances during the 2020 campaign shortened by the pandemic.
Whether or not the Mets go after Britton, they will likely enter the season relying on a ninth-inning committee approach that includes veterans David Robertson, Adam Ottavino and others.