Mets have plenty of options to make another bullpen addition

The Mets likely are not finished adding to their bullpen this winter. 

After signing A.J. Minter this month, team officials are still evaluating the market with the idea that there is room for an additional high-leverage reliever, according to an industry source, and options are somewhat plentiful. 

Minter arrived on a two-year deal worth $22 million — the only significant money the Mets have spent on the bullpen this winter — to help fill the pressing need for a left-hander.

But the team could still use another proven arm for the late innings. 

Those still available in free agency include names such as Carlos Estevez, David Robertson, Dylan Floro and Jakob Junis.

In addition, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek, both of whom were dependable for the Mets in the second half of last season, remain unsigned. 

Before signing Minter, the Mets had interest in Tanner Scott, who subsequently agreed to a four-year contract with the Dodgers worth $72 million. 

Aside from Minter, the Mets are set to enter spring training with Edwin Diaz, Reed Garrett, Dedniel Nunez, Jose Butto (provided he is not considered for starting duty) and Sean Reid-Foley as the top returning relief options.

Huascar Brazoban and lefty Danny Young are others returning who could compete for jobs. 

The Mets figure to employ a six-man rotation for much of the season that would allow extra rest for Kodai Senga.

But in stretches when the sixth starter isn’t used, it’s possible that arm would be utilized from the bullpen as needed.

Griffin Canning was signed to a one-year deal worth $4.25 million in December and could fill that swingman role.

But David Peterson was also successful working from the bullpen last year in the postseason, also providing a left-handed presence. 

Maton and Stanek both arrived before the trade deadline last season, as Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns completed a bullpen overhaul.

Two relievers Stearns signed in free agency, Jake Diekman and Jorge Lopez, were released by the team. A third, Adam Ottavino, struggled early in the season and was relegated to low-leverage situations. 

Among the remaining free agent relievers, Estevez had the highest bWAR (2.1) last season. The right-hander finished the season with the Phillies after arriving in a trade with the Angels. 

Robertson, who turns 40 in April, pitched to a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances for the Rangers last season and has shown a knack for handling all that comes with pitching in New York in previous stints with the Mets and Yankees.

The Cubs (another team for which he’s pitched) have reportedly spoken to Robertson about a potential reunion. But that was before the club traded for Ryan Pressly. 

Floro struggled after he was traded by the Nationals to the Diamondbacks last season, but pitched to a 2.06 ERA in 51 appearances for Washington. 

Junis bounced between the bullpen and rotation last season for the Reds and Brewers and pitched to a 2.69 ERA in 24 appearances.

He missed much of the season after he was struck in the neck by a ball during batting practice.