New York Mets Linked To 2-Time All-Star Closer

Despite losing out on Carlos Correa, the New York Mets are ready to bounce right back into the free agent market to sharpen up another area of their 2023 squad. They're said to be a prime suitor for former lock-down closer Zack Britton.

Mets are among teams to have shown interest in Zack Britton. He had his alltime great closer year in Baltimore with Buck managing and also has a close relationship with new Mets coach Dom Chiti.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 10, 2023

Britton, now 35, pitched for the Baltimore Orioles from 2011-2018 under current Mets manager Buck Showalter. And as noted by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Britton also has a close relationship with new Mets coach Dom Chiti.

The former O's closer has notched 154 career saves, including a league-leading 47 in 2016 with an 0.54 ERA, and had two All-Star seasons in Baltimore. In eight seasons there, he posted a 3.22 ERA and 139 saves. 

He went on to provide a few elite high-leverage seasons for the New York Yankees, posting a 2.75 ERA with them in parts of five seasons. 

But Tommy John surgery has knocked Britton down the past couple of seasons; he pitched just 18 innings in 2021, and pretty much wiped out his entire 2022 except for two-thirds of an inning. He came back in September, but was shut down quickly with arm fatigue. 

Assuming he's back to full health, if the Mets could land him he would be a tremendous addition to the late-game mix in Queens, with Edwin Diaz, Adam Ottavino and David Robertson.

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports