The Mets have reached an agreement with reliever Brandon Lyon, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman.
Lyon needs to pass his physical for the deal to become official. The deal is said to be for one year, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. Financial details of the contract are unknown.
The club had been close with Lyon for a few days, but finally reached a deal. Lyon, 33, had a strong bounce-back season with the Astros and Blue Jays. He had a 3.10 ERA and a 3.23 FIP in 61 innings. Lyon has never been a high-strikeout pitcher, although he struck out 24.4 percent of hitters last season compared to a career average of 15.8 percent.
Lyon could be in the mix for saves in New York. The team has Frank Francisco listed as the closer on its depth chart, but he struggled last season. He had a 5.53 ERA and a 3.90 FIP in 42 1/3 innings. Lyon has slightly more experience than Francisco as a closer.
Lyon has saved 79 games to Francisco’s 72 in their careers. Although Bobby Parnell had a strong year with the club last season, he will likely be third in line for saves due to his limited experience in the role. But there’s a good chance Parnell is the team’s best reliever next season.
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