Reliever expected to make decision ‘soon’

The Mets have interest in signing free agent reliever Brad Hand. Here’s the latest…

Jan. 23, 1:35 p.m.

Multiple teams are expecting Hand to make his free-agency decision “soon,” perhaps as soon as over the weekend, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

The Mets remain in on the reliever, as do the Blue Jays, Dodgers and Angels.

Jan. 20, 5:02 p.m.

The Angels have entered the fray as the newest team interested in Hand’s services, according to The Athletic’s Robert Murray.

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman adds that the Blue Jays have been a “main player” while the Mets and Dodgers have also “checked in.”

Jan. 16, 5:02 p.m.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Hand has drawn interest from the Astros, Blue Jays, and Mets in the last 48 hours.

SNY’s Andy Martino reported Friday that the Mets and Hand were close to coming to an agreement, according to two sources, while another source disputed that.

Jan. 15, 8:47 a.m.

The Mets are close to signing Hand, reports SNY’s Andy Martino.

Per Martino, two sources say the Mets and Hand are close to a deal, while another source involved disputes that characterization.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Mets’ deal for Hand will be for two years if finalized.

Martino reported earlier this week that the Mets remained interested in Hand, noting that the unexpectedly large deal given out to Liam Hendriks ($54 million guaranteed) could impact Hand’s eventual contract.

If the Mets complete the deal with Hand, he will likely be the finishing piece for a loaded bullpen that already includes Edwin Diaz and Trevor May, and will likely include Seth Lugo.

Jan. 14, 5:53 p.m.

As the relief market begins to heat up, the Mets remain in on Hand, SNY’s Andy Martino reported.

Martino has previously reported that Hand is looking for a two-year deal.

Jan. 12, 12:56 p.m.

The Mets remain interested in signing Hand, whose value might have risen due to the recent deal the Chicago White Sox gave to Liam Hendriks, reports SNY’s Andy Martino.

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The deal Hendriks signed — $54 million guaranteed — could trickle down and impact Hand’s market.

According to Martino, Hand is seeking a two-year deal.

The Mets are roughly $30 million under the $210 million luxury tax threshold, which leaves plenty of room for additional moves after the Francisco Lindor–Carlos Carrasco trade.

Jan. 7, 5:47 p.m.

After the Francisco Lindor/Carlos Carrasco blockbuster, the Mets’ payroll sits at about $180 million, with the luxury tax sitting at about $210 million.

SNY’s Andy Martino noted on Thursday that even after Thursday’s monstrous acquisition, the Mets could still land one of Brad Hand or Liam Hendriks.

Considering the Mets are still in the George Springer sweepstakes, the odds of them getting both (with or without Springer) are slim, as Martino notes the Mets would like to stay under the tax on Opening Day, that way they can make roster moves in-season.

Jan. 6, 4:32 p.m.

The Chicago White Sox are among the teams interested in signing Hand and Liam Hendriks, per Jon Heyman.

Along with the White Sox and Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers have also been connected to Hand.

Jan. 5, 10:49 p.m.

After re-signing reliever Blake Treinen, the Los Angeles Dodgers have interest in signing Hand and Liam Hendriks, per Jon Heyman.

According to Heyman, the Dodgers could be looking to create a “super bullpen.”

Jan. 4, 4:39 p.m.

The Mets have interest in Hand, reports Jon Heyman.

Hand, 30, was placed on outright waivers by the Cleveland Indians in October due to a money crunch, with him clearing waivers and becoming a free agent.

Shortly after being introduced as the Mets’ new president, Sandy Alderson said that the timing of Hand hitting the waiver wire didn’t quite work out for New York due to the front office being in flux.

Hand has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball since 2016, posting a 2.70 ERA (2.92 FIP) and 1.06 WHIP while striking out 12.2 batters per 9 and saving 104 games in 320 IP.

In 2020, Hand had a 2.05 ERA (1.37 FIP) and 0.77 WHIP while striking out 29 batters in 22 IP.

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