Mets may be interested in Brett Myers

The New York Mets are surprise contenders in the N.L. East this season and are currently in the market for bullpen help. Former Astros skipper Terry Collins has been going with a “closer by committee” ever since Frank Francisco landed on the disabled list last month. Brett Myers is available and the Mets are rumored to have some interest.

Andy McCullough, a Mets columnist for the Star-Ledger tweeted that Myers would be a good fit, but the Mets are downplaying their interest in the Astros closer. Other relievers that the Mets may pursue include San Diego’s Huston Street and Oakland’s Grant Balfour, according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.

Myers has been mostly effective since taking over as the Astros closer this spring. His overall numbers aren’t that great due to two terrible outings but Myers has converted 19 of his 21 save opportunities. The 31 year-old righty has basically re-invented himself this season. He has kept hitters off-balance by, for the most part, pitching backwards. Although he has increased his fastball velocity Myers has done his best work with his breaking pitches, painting corners, and sneaking a fastball in when the hitters weren’t expecting it. His 1.8 BB/9 IP this season is a dramatic improvement over his career mark of 2.9.

Myers has a pretty heavy price tag for a reliever, which could be a sticking point for the budget conscious Mets (or any other team for that matter.) The Astros would probably be willing to pay the remaining portion of his $10 million salary for this season if the return package is significant. Myers also has a vesting option for next season at $10 million with a $3 million buyout. Chances are Brett’s days in Houston are numbered. Whether or not he winds up in New York remains to be seen.