Mets Rumors: Seeking bargain-priced pitching

The Mets are patiently watching the free agent market this off-season hoping that a few pitching bargains appear, Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com explains.

Following their blockbuster trade of R.A. Dickey, the rebuilding Mets have been fairly quiet. Rumors have connected them to Justin Upton and a few other impact bats, but nothing much has actually materialized.

The Mets have room for at least one starter with Johan Santana, Matt Harvey, Jon Niese and Dillon Gee penciled into the rotation right now. Under GM Sandy Alderson, the Mets have typically looked to low cost, one year options signing players like Chris Capuano and Chris Young, who were looking to rebuild their value. Erik Bedard, Carl Pavano and Jair Jurrjens might fall into that category among this year's free agents.

Given the potential of young arms like Matt Harvey and Zach Wheeler, the Mets are not likely to be suitors for pricier starters like Kyle Lohse and Joe Saunders who are looking for long term deals.

Building a better bullpen should also be a priority for the Mets, after their 2012 pen posted the second worst ERA in the game. They are especially in need of left-hand relief help, making Manny Parra, J.C. Romero and Rafael Perez names to watch in connection with New York.

The Mets are likely waiting for the closer market to shrink at this point, eyeing a bargain among names like Jose Valverde, Rafael Soriano, Brian Wilson and Matt Capps after contenders like Detroit and Toronto are done shopping.