The Mets’ desire for additional left-handed relief help has team officials focused on Jake Diekman.
Diekman and the Mets were working toward finalizing a major league contract Thursday, according to sources.
The Athletic first reported the sides were close on a deal.
Diekman, 37, appeared in 63 games last season for the White Sox and Rays and posted a 3.34 ERA.
He would join Brooks Raley in the Mets’ bullpen to give the team a second left-handed relief option.
Among Diekman’s appealing metrics: He ranked in MLB’s 99th percentile, according to Statcast, with a hard-hit ball rate of 27.1 percent last season.
Diekman averaged 95.4 mph with his four-seam fastball, and also features a sweeper and changeup as prominent pitches.
The Mets had been pursuing lefty Wandy Peralta before he accepted a four-year deal from the Padres worth a reported $16.5 million.
The Mets are nearing a deal with left-hander Jake Diekman. Getty ImagesThe Mets, according to sources, were also considering Brad Hand and Aaron Loup — both of whom previously pitched for the team — as relief options, perhaps on minor league contracts.
Team officials have also added a measure of lefty balance to the rotation this offseason, adding Sean Manaea on a two-year contract worth $28 million.
Manaea will join lefty Jose Quintana in the rotation.
Last weekend, Adam Ottavino returned to the bullpen on a one-year contract worth $4.5 million.
Jake Diekman had a 3.34 ERA last season. Charles Wenzelberg/NY PostThe right-hander had previously opted out of his deal with the Mets for next season that was worth $6.5 million and included deferrals.
The bullpen rebuild this offseason has included Jorge Lopez’s arrival on a one-year deal worth $2 million.
The team also signed Michael Tonkin to a split contract that will pay him $1 million if he’s on the major league roster.
Edwin Diaz is returning this spring from rehab following March surgery to repair the patellar tendon in his right knee, giving the Mets an All-Star presence for the ninth inning.
Drew Smith, Austin Adams, Reed Garrett, Grant Hartwig, Phil Bickford, Yohan Ramirez, Sean Reid-Foley and Josh Walker are among the other relievers on the 40-man roster heading to spring training.
