Mets, Orioles interested in Antonio Bastardo

The Mets and Orioles are among the teams with interest in free-agent left-hander Antonio Bastardo, according to a report from Buster Olney of ESPN.com. Bastardo appears to be looking for a 3-year deal on the open market, though Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that the Mets are unwilling to give him that guarantee.

Bastardo was originally one of two top left-handed relievers on the free-agent market this winter, though the other, Tony Sipp, is off the market after re-signing with the Astros on a 3-year, $18 million deal during the Winter Meetings. Bastardo is likely looking for a deal in that range, and has been linked to the Twins and Tigers to this point.

Bastardo, 30, posted a 4-1 record and 2.98 ERA in 66 appearances with the Pirates last season after being acquired from the Phillies in a trade last winter. He is a veteran of seven major-league seasons and has posted a 3.58 ERA in 377 appearances.

Bastardo is one of many left-handed relief options left on the market, along with Joe Beimel, Craig Breslow, Randy Choate, Neal Cotts, Brian Duensing, Franklin Morales, Eric O'Flaherty, Matt Thornton and Wesley Wright. Sources indicate that Bastardo's signing will set off a domino effect of left-handed signings.