Joe Thatcher closing in on signing with multiple teams interested

Free agent-left hander Joe Thatcher has drawn interest from more than ten clubs and is closing in on a decision, according to a major-league source. The Mets, Athletics, Rangers and Astros are among the most interested clubs, though it is unclear if the southpaw will be signing with one of those teams.

Thatcher, 33, is one of a few left-handed relievers still available on the open market, along with Phil Coke, Joe Beimel and Franklin Morales. He spent last season with the Diamondbacks and Angels, posting a combined 3.86 ERA in 53 appearances despite struggling down the stretch in sixteen appearances with the Halos after being traded from Arizona in early July.

Of the teams who are known to be interested in Thatcher, the Rangers and Mets have been most aggressive in trying to add a lefty this winter. The Mets had interest in Craig Breslow before he re-signed with the Red Sox, and Texas is known to be one of the teams interested in signing Coke.

In eight major-league seasons for the Padres (2007-2013), Diamondbacks (2013-2014) and Angels (2014), Thatcher has posted a lifetime 10-13 record and 3.40 ERA in 238 innings over 362 appearances. He is particularly effective against lefties, who have hit only .230/.289/.351 against him for his career as opposed to the .275/.346/.369 line that righties have posted.