New York Mets interested in acquiring Vinnie Pestano

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, the New York Mets are interested in trading for Cleveland Indians reliever Vinnie Pestano. The 27-year-old sported a terrific 2.57 ERA in 70 appearances for the Indians last season, and the right-hander also finished the year with a 1.10 WHIP and 36 holds.

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The Mets are also reportedly in trade talks with the Kansas City Royals for bullpen help.

I bet the Indians will be asking for a high price for Pestano, since it seems like they have big plans for him in the bullpen as a possible closer. He is currently under control for four seasons and not yet arbitration available, so that’s also something to factor in. Pestano was worth 1.0 WAR last season after being worth 1.5 WAR in 2011, so he has been one of the most valuable set-up men in the game. His value is extremely high right now, but he would definitely be a great addition to the Mets bullpen if they are willing to match what will most likely be a high asking price.

That’s going to be the most important factor in this, because the Mets already deemed Joel Peralta‘s asking price as too high when discussing a trade for him with the Tampa Bay Rays. Peralta is a solid reliever, but he is older, has less years under team control, and is a worse pitcher than Pestano.

Last offseason, the Mets signed relievers Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch with neither deal working out well for Sandy Alderson. Both relievers were worth just 0.1 WAR each, and bullpen help is definitely a huge need for this team. It’s been a pressing need for quite some time now, but the question is whether or not Alderson is willing to give up a lot in order to fill the need.

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