Free Agent Returns to New York

It wasn't a huge move, but might be a savvy one. The Mets signed onetime Yankee reliever Chasen Shreve to a free agent contract. After enjoying success in the Bronx, he struggled after being sent to the Cardinals in the 2018 Luke Voit deal. Last year, he made just three appearances in the majors, while working in 51 games for the Cards' Memphis farm club.

A low risk move, especially for a club that needs to beef up its bullpen. Still, you have to wonder how the Shreve will be deployed. Many of his Yankee appearances were in one- or- two-batter situations, which will disappear under the revised rules requiring most relievers to face three men. So this lefty specialist will have to earn his keep by proving he can get out hitters on either side of the plate.

The signing also adds Shreve to the list of those who've played for both New York clubs. The question is whether his time in Queens will be more like those of David Cone and Doc Gooden and not Ralph Terry or Bill Short.

(My image of Chasen Shreve is from a July 2017 game at Yankee Stadium.)

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