The Mets have made it clear they weren't done improving their bullpen for next season, but it looks like they are about to lose out on one of the bigger names in the reliever market.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Cardinals and LHP Andrew Miller are "very close" to agreeing on a deal for next season.

Miller was on the Mets' wish list for numerous reasons. First, New York lacks a dominant lefty reliever with Jerry Blevins still in free agency, and he isn't at Miller's level. Also, manager Mickey Callaway had Miller on his staff in Cleveland when he was the team's pitching coach, so that connection was there as well.

The 33-year-old battled injuries last season that included knee, hamstring, and shoulder issues. He did see a slight dip in his fastball velocity that averaged 93.1 MPH compared to 94 MPH in 2017. The Mets actually requested Miller's medicals earlier this offseason to make sure he was healthy.

But St. Louis looks to be his new home. The Mets, though, can still pick from relievers like David Robertson and Adam Ottavino to add to their bullpen that already touts Jeurys Familia and Edwin Diaz in the back end.

Last season, Miller owned a 4.24 ERA and 3.51 FIP over 34 innings (37 games).

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