As the Mets presumably look for bullpen help, the left-handed veteran could be a fit.
Following the 2013 season, the San Francisco Giants outrighted left-handed relief pitcher Jose Mijares, who then opted for free agency. For his career, Mijares has a 3.23 ERA and 3.70 FIP, and like most left-handed relief pitchers, he's been significantly better against left-handed hitters.
The 29-year-old first pitched in the big leagues in 2008 with the Twins and played there through the 2011 season. After hitting free agency, he signed a one-year deal with the Royals, but he was claimed on waivers by the Giants that August. Following the season, he re-signed with the Giants for one year.
In 2013, Mijares pitched to the tune of a 4.22 ERA but had a 3.05 FIP. His strikeout rate was very good, his walk rate was mediocre, and he didn't give up many home runs. But Mijares gave up 12.3 hits per nine innings with a .410 batting average on balls in play against, both of which were among the very worst in baseball but are out of line with his career numbers, which are much better.
While Mijares hasn't thrown quite as hard over the last three seasons as he did over his first three, the drop in velocity has not been alarming. With just Scott Rice and Josh Edgin likely to have a shot at making the Mets' Opening Day roster as left-handed specialists—lefty Jack Leathersich has fared much better against right-handed hitters in the minors—bringing in Mijares on an inexpensive deal is probably worth a roll of the dice.
