Mets, Dodgers, Phillies All Pursuing Same Pitcher In Free Agency

It sounds like the Mets, Dodgers, and Phillies all are pursuing the same hurler

What will the New York Mets do throughout the rest of the offseason?

New York clearly has been busy this offseason and has made a handful of moves. The Mets had a down year in 2023 and are trying to get back on track. New York brought in former Milwaukee Brewers executive David Stearns to be the club's president of baseball operations and he has been wheeling and dealing.

The Mets have made a handful of additions, but the club could still use some help in the bullpen. New York knows this and reportedly is pursuing top right-handed free agent reliever Robert Stephenson, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

"As the Josh Hader talks pick up with Houston, per Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome, the market is moving forward for Robert Stephenson, the top available righty reliever," Morosi said. "The Mets, (Los Angeles Dodgers), and (Philadelphia Phillies) are among the clubs with interest in Stephenson."

Stephenson logged a 3.10 ERA last season in 60 total appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays and had a 77-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 52 1/3 innings pitched. 

The 30-year-old was most impressive after he was traded to Tampa Bay in June. He had a 2.35 ERA in 42 appearances with the Rays and had an eye-popping 60-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

New York's bullpen already is expected to be improved with the return of Edwin Díaz to the mound. If the Mets could bring someone in like Stephenson in, it could go a long way.