The Mets were among the teams in attendance for free agent reliever Zack Britton's showcase for interested teams on Wednesday, reports Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
In addition to the Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs attended Britton's throwing session, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Britton returned from Tommy John surgery last September with the Yankees, but was placed on the IL after just three appearances due to arm fatigue.
SNY's Andy Martino recently reported that the Mets were prioritizing adding optionable relievers, which Britton would not be. However, Martino noted on Wednesday that Britton could be an exception.
"Fully understand the Mets preference for flexibility/optionable relievers," Martino tweeted. "Zack Britton, however, is a special person for a team’s culture, helping bridge gaps between a FO and clubhouse, vets and young players, analytics and more. Huge intangibles."
The 35-year-old was one of the best relievers in baseball before needing Tommy John.
From 2014 to 2020 with the Baltimore Orioles and Yankees, Britton had a 1.84 ERA (2.93 FIP) and 1.05 WHIP with a home run rate of just 0.4 per nine in 367.1 innings over 369 appearances, nailing down 153 saves in the process.
The Mets currently have five relievers who are locks to make the Opening Day roster: Edwin Diaz, David Robertson, Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley, and Drew Smith. John Curtiss, who signed a two-year deal last offseason as he rehabbed from Tommy John, could have an inside track at a spot.
Other bullpen options include Rule 5 pick Zach Greene, Stephen Ridings, Bryce Montes de Oca, Elieser Hernandez, David Peterson, and Tylor Megill. In the case of Peterson and Megill, one or both could possibly be sent to Triple-A Syracuse to stay stretched out in the event the Mets need starting rotation reinforcements.