Pitcher Grant Balfour recently told Casey Pratt of Comcast SportsNet that he is unsure whether he will return to Oakland next season. Balfour also said that he'd like to win a World Series before considering retirement.
The 10 year veteran had a 2.59 ERA in 65 relief appearances with the Athletics in 2013. He also racked up 38 saves, and posted a strong 10.3 K/9 rate in 62 2/3 innings. He is eligible for free agency when this season is over.
Balfour has been pretty consistent over the last 4 seasons, posting a combined 2.47 ERA in 259 appearances with Oakland and Tampa Bay. He earned $4.5 million in 2013, and will likely earn a salary raise after his strong 2013 campaign.
He also has a track record of staying healthy, so even at age 35, the Mets could afford to give him a multiyear deal. I feel like he'd be a good fit with this team, but I'm not sure if he'll be the team's closer. Despite notching 38 saves for Oakland in 2013, if the club is looking long-term in 2014, I'd much rather have Bobby Parnell close out the games, and give Balfour the 8th inning duty.
Now, I don't think the Mets will be spending a great deal of money to get bullpen help, but giving Balfour, let's say a 2 year/$10 million deal, wouldn't be a bad move. The Mets did do something similar with Frank Francisco a few years ago, giving him a 2 year/$12 million deal which ultimately turned into a big flop, but Balfour's history of success should give him an edge.
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