If the Mets want to improve the bullpen, they will have to look elsewhere.
It had been speculated that when the Mets traded Ike Davis away, it would open up some $3 million in cash to improve the team in other ways. With a hole at shortstop and a lack of depth in the bullpen, it has been reported that the Mets were interested in Stephen Drew and Joel Hanrahan, among other players. One of those options is now off the board, as right-handed relief pitcher Hanrahan has reportedly signed with the Detroit Tigers, according to Jon Heyman. Hanrahan is guaranteed $1 million and can make up to $3 million, according to Bob Nightengale.
Hanrahan last pitched with the Red Sox in 2013 and gave up eight earned runs in seven-plus innings before injuring his elbow. With the Pirates from 2009 through 2012, however, Hanrahan was quite an effective reliever. In 2011 he saved 40 games while posting a 1.83 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 68.2 innings, and in 2012 he saved 36 more games before being dealt to Boston the following winter.
The Mets were said to have coveted Hanrahan because of the team's lack of a bona fide closer. Bobby Parnell and Jose Valverde have already fallen out of the role due to injury and ineffectiveness, respectively. Carlos Torres and Daisuke Matsuzaka have arguably been the Mets' two most effective relief pitchers, but it is Kyle Farnsworth who "officially" holds the closer title for now.
Some notable relief pitchers still available on the open market according to MLBTradeRumors.com are Brett Myers, Kevin Gregg, and Ryan Madson, as well as former Mets Octavio Dotel and Frank Francisco.