The Mets continue to explore options for an additional left-hander for their bullpen.
Much of the talk surrounding the Mets at the winter meetings has been centered on Dillon Gee, but general manager Sandy Alderson is also searching for a left-handed reliever. One day after speaking with fellow southpaw Craig Breslow, the Mets have reportedly had preliminary discussions with left-hander Phil Coke, according to Jon Morosi.
#Mets have had preliminary contact with free-agent LH reliever Phil Coke, but no substantive discussions yet. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 10, 2014
The 32-year-old Coke will be entering his eighth major league season in 2015 and posted a 3.88 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 58 innings for the Detroit Tigers last year. The southpaw was not as successful against left-handers in 2014, allowing them to hit .257/.310/.381 compared to .243/.297/.352 for his career.
The Sonora, CA native began his career with the New York Yankees in 2008 but was dealt to Detroit before the 2010 season in a three-team deal that included current Met Curtis Granderson. Coke earned $1.9 million in 2014 and is a free agent for the first time in his career.