The Mets signed left-hander John Lannan to a minor league deal Saturday with an invitation to major league camp, as they attempt to fortify their rotation with veterans to compete with some of their young talent.
Lannan, 29, spent last year with the Phillies, going 3-6 with a 5.33 ERA before a left knee injury required surgery, ending his season. He said after the season he expected to be healthy in time for spring training, and on Thursday, he said on Twitter he threw off the mound for the since the surgery.
The Long Beach, Long Island, native’s best season came in 2011, when he went 10-13 with a 3.70 ERA for the Nationals.
General manager Sandy Alderson made it clear earlier in the offseason the Mets likely wouldn’t be in the market for any major additions to the rotation. Currently, Jon Niese is the only southpaw in the rotation, and Lannan could provide the Mets with another option.
The Mets also brought back Omar Quintanilla on a minor league deal, a source confirmed. In 95 games with the Mets last year, he had a .589 OPS. He could serve as a backup to Ruben Tejada if the Mets don’t add another shortstop. Stephen Drew remains available.
And with Dillon Gee agreeing to a one-year contract, Lucas Duda is the only remaining arbitration-eligible Met who hasn’t signed a new deal. The club is talking to Duda, who may have to battle Ike Davis in spring training to win the first base job.