Mets sign Antonio Bastardo to 2-year, $12 million deal

The Mets have agreed to sign left-hander Antonio Bastardo to a 2-year, $12 million deal, as first reported by Jon Heyman. Robert Murray of Baseball Essential first reported financial details:

Antonio Bastardo has agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with the #Mets, according to a source.

— Robert Murray (@RobertMurrayBBE) January 21, 2016

In 2015, Bastardo pitched 57.1 innings, and posted an ERA of 2.98, along with an FIP of 3.33; and since the 2010 season, Bastardo hasn't allowed an FIP higher than 3.34. While he's not a household name, even among relievers, he's proved to be valuable since becoming a regular in 2010.

In his career, Bastardo has averaged a K/9 of 11.04, a BB/9 of 4.30, and a HR/9 of 0.80. His fastball sits around 92 mph, and according to Brooks Baseball, he tops out at 96 mph. This signing gives the Mets at least three left-handers for their bullpen, alongside Jerry Blevins, and Sean Gilmartin. While this is likely a good deal for New York, as it provides them with more depth in the bullpen, it will surely annoy more than a few Mets fans.

Six million per year isn't a lot to commit to a reliever these days, but when seemingly an entire organization's fanbase wants to see the return of Yoenis Cespedes, it's six million that isn't going towards him. While there have been a few reports that suggest the Mets could still land the slugger, this is another sign that Cespedes simply isn't in the cards for New York.