Well the Mets found their lefty. Alex Torres and his big hat are headed from San Diego to New York, which means that the Brian Matusz trade talks have ended between Dan Duquette and Sandy Alderson.
We’ve heard that the Mets weren’t the only team interested in Matusz’s services, Ken Rosenthal reported that the O’s had discussed a deal with the Rangers before they acquired Sam Freeman. But New York appeared the most interested.
Matusz will make $3.2 million in his walk year with the Orioles, while Torres will make $509,000. I’m guessing that $2.7 million had a lot to do with the Mets decision.
In 2014, Matusz pitched to a 3.48 ERA (4.00 FIP) over 51.2 innings pitched and he has been arguably Baltimore’s most dominant arm this spring. Over 12.1 IP, Matusz has allowed just two runs on eight hits, has walked none and fanned 12.
Now that the O’s-Mets deal has fallen through, will the Birds hold on to Matusz or continue actively shopping him? With Wesley Wright and Zach Britton (and possibly T.J. McFarland), the Orioles bullpen is pretty lefty heavy.
I expect Duquette to continue shopping Matusz, his value is high based on his spring performance and the likelihood of retaining him after this season is low.
