{"id":446751,"date":"2025-11-24T04:26:17","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T04:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/446751\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T04:26:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T04:26:17","slug":"three-reliable-left-handed-relief-free-agent-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/446751\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Reliable Left-Handed Relief Free Agent Options"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New York Mets currently have a few different left-handed relief pitching options on their 40-man roster. Those consist of Brooks Raley<\/a>, A.J. Minter<\/a>, Richard Lovelady<\/a>, and Brandon Waddell<\/a>. Of those, only two have a history of major-league success, but one of those two, Minter, is coming off a major injury. Of the remaining two, Lovelady struggled immensely with a 6.30 ERA\/6.74 xERA and Waddell overperformed his underlying metrics (3.45 ERA versus 5.70 xERA).<\/p>\n

With that being said, the Mets should look to add at least one left-handed reliever free agent. There are luckily several strong options on the market that will likely not cost a ton. Below are a few of those options that should intrigue president of baseball operations, David Stearns, and his staff.<\/p>\n

Caleb Thielbar<\/p>\n

Outside of a lackluster 2024 (5.32 ERA), Caleb Thielbar<\/a> has been quietly one of the most consistent left-handed relief pitchers in the league. Last season may have been his most impressive, at least since a breakout 2021 season (3.23 ERA across 64 innings).<\/p>\n

Thielbar posted a 2.64 ERA and allowed only 38 hits over 58 innings for the Chicago Cubs. The 38-year-old has posted an ERA below 3.49 in every season since 2020 except the aforementioned 2024 year. The underlying metrics back up the often strong traditional numbers, as specifically, last season, he ranked above the league\u2019s 85th percentile in xERA, xBA, chase rate, walk rate, and hard-hit rate.<\/p>\n

At his age, a one-year deal would likely get it done. He likely would only cost a minimal price tag as well.<\/p>\n

Drew Pomeranz<\/p>\n

Another Chicago Cub in 2025, Drew Pomeranz<\/a> made his return to the big leagues last season. Across 57 games and 49 2\/3 innings, the 36-year-old posted a 2.17 ERA and 57 strikeouts. The underlying metrics were strong as well, as he ranked above the league\u2019s 72nd percentile in xERA, xBA, and strikeout rate. He also did a good job limiting walks, with a 7.4% walk rate which ranked in the 63rd percentile.<\/p>\n

Pomeranz did not pitch in the big leagues from 2022 through 2024 as he tried to work his way back from left elbow surgery. In both 2020 and 2021, albeit a limited sample, the veteran lefty had a sub 2.00 ERA with San Diego. With the 2025 performance, Pomeranz has a 2.20 ERA or less in each of his last three seasons. He would be another pitcher likely slated for a one-year deal in free agency.<\/p>\n

Andrew Chafin<\/p>\n

Andrew Chafin<\/a> pitched for two different clubs in 2025 and it culminated in his lowest ERA since his career-best 2021 season. Across 33 2\/3 innings with Washington and Los Angeles (American League), he posted a 2.41 ERA with 36 strikeouts. His only issue in 2025 was recurring stints on the injured list. All the underlying metrics, albeit in a smaller sample, were elite in 2025 as well.<\/p>\n

Chafin has a long track record of success. Across his 12 season big-league career, he has a 3.35 ERA. The veteran has pitched for eight different teams. As you want with any southpaw pitcher, Chafin is his best against left-handed hitting. Throughout his career, lefties are hitting .136 with a .454 OPS against Chafin.<\/p>\n

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