JAKE MCGEE
2017: 1.4 WAR, 3 Saves, 3.61 ERA, 57.1 IP, 9.1 K/9
Speaking of options, the Colorado Rockies setup man just declined his player option, making him a free agent.
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As one of the few left-handed relievers on the open market, the Red Sox should be keeping a close eye on Jake McGee. The addition of McGee would add variance to a righty-heavy Boston bullpen that failed to find a consistent left-handed reliever for most of the season. McGee has shown the ability to get hitters on both sides of the plate out. He’s held lefties to a career .239 batting average, righties a .208.
McGee’s history in the AL East (he began his career in Tampa Bay) makes him the more appealing of the two LHP, especially considering his numbers with Tampa were significantly better than his numbers with Colorado. In his career as an AL reliever, McGee posted a 2.77 ERA over 259.2 IP, with a SO/W ratio of 11.1. If you contrast that with his numbers as a member of the Rockies, (4.11 ERA, 8.4 SO/W) you see a drastically different pitcher. The southpaw had a far better season last year than he did in 2016, managing to drop his ERA by a whole run, while raising his K/9 by a whole two points.
Adding McGee to the mix of Carson Smith and Craig Kimbrel could provide the 31-year-old reliever with the spark he needs to return to his AL form.