Free-agent relief pitcher Brad Hand appears poised to sign with the Mets. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Mets closing in on two-year deal with Brad Hand

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/15/21

The New York Mets have been one of the most active teams in Major League Baseball this offseason, showing interest in nearly every top available free agent while also making a trade for former Cleveland star shortstop Francisco Lindor.

It appears the franchise isn't done adding, either. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Mets and free-agent reliever Brad Hand are closing in on a two-year deal.

If completed, deal expected to be for two years. https://t.co/hyFAP65ZDk
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 15, 2021

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters in November that the team would have considered placing a waiver claim on the southpaw "if the timing had been a little different."

Cleveland announced in October it was placing Hand on waivers instead of exercising his $10 million option for 2021. The 30-year-old went unclaimed and was granted release.

The timing Alderson was referring to stems from when the Mets' sale to Steven Cohen was finalized. If Cohen had been the team's owner when Hand was on waivers, the franchise could've possibly picked him up.

Hand has spent the last two seasons with Cleveland. He went 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA, 0.773 WHIP and 29 strikeouts in 22 innings during the pandemic-shortened season.

He has also spent time with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres and is a three-time All-Star.

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