The Mets’ biggest catch of the Winter Meetings became official yesterday.
Frank Francisco is the team’s new closer, after signing a two-year contract worth $12 million as part of the Mets’ revitalized bullpen.
The 32-year-old will join Jon Rauch and Ramon Ramirez as the new bullpen additions. The Mets’ other addition at the Winter Meetings was outfielder Andres Torres, who arrived from the Giants with Ramirez in a trade for Angel Pagan.
Francisco went 1-4 with a 3.55 ERA and 17 saves in 54 games for Toronto last season. He had a career-high 25 saves for Texas in 2009.
With the bullpen improved, general manager Sandy Alderson figures to spend the next few weeks trying to add another low-cost starting pitcher and bolster the bench.
Though the Mets have talked to Oakland about lefty Gio Gonzalez, that possibility is “almost nil” according to a source given Alderson’s reluctance to deal top young talent.
The Mets are searching the bargain bin. The team has some interest in catcher Luis Martinez, who was recently designated for assignment by the Padres. The 26-year-old Martinez hit .203 with one homer and 10 RBIs in 22 games last season.
There is still a possibility the team will try to re-sign Scott Hairston, who emerged as the Mets’ top bench threat last season. Jack Wilson remains on Alderson’s radar as a backup infield possibility.
One outfield option the Mets can probably eliminate is Fernando Martinez, who is still having trouble moving because of chronic knee soreness. A source said Martinez’s future might be limited to DH in the American League.