Position: RP B/T: L/L
Age: 35 (10/26/1989)
2024 Traditional Stats: 33 G, 29 2/3 IP, 2.12 ERA, 0.674 WHIP, 1-0, 32 SO, 5 BB
2024 Advanced Stats: 178 ERA+, 29.9 K%, 4.7 BB%, 2.88 xERA, 2.83 FIP, 2.94 xFIP, 0.5 fWAR
In somewhat of a surprise, the Baltimore Orioles declined the $4 million option of Danny Coulombe earlier in the offseason, making him a free agent. The 35-year-old is coming off a two-straight seasons of superb play in Baltimore. Across these two years, Coulombe tossed 81 innings with a 2.56 ERA to go along with 90 strikeouts and only 17 walks. His WHIP was below 1.000 (0.951) and FIP backed up how impressive his traditional numbers were at 2.83.
So, why was the veteran’s option declined? It may have to do with some concern regarding injuries. Coulombe had hip surgery in 2022 and an elbow procedure in 2023, both leading to him missing considerable periods of time. Now, he will be entering 2025 at age 35.
Regardless, there is no doubt the only 5-foot-10 tall reliever can be extremely effective when healthy. Including the terrific last two seasons, since returning to the major leagues in 2020, Coulombe has a 2.69 ERA. There is also no doubt that he does what most left-handed do well in destroying left-handed hitters. Last season, opposing lefties had a .400 OPS against Coulombe. For his career, left-handed batters have a .607 OPS against him. He does the main job of any left-handed reliever extremely well.
Interestingly enough, Coulombe has done all of the above with a fastball that only tops out at just under 91 mph. He mixes pitches well (threw five pitches in 2024 more than 12% of the time) and doesn’t walk batters. If he stays healthy, he has all the ability to be one of the more underrated left-handed weapons out of the bullpen in 2025.
Coulombe earned $2.3 million in 2024. As mentioned above, instead of exercising his $4 million team option for 2025, the Orioles declined making Coulombe a free agent.
One would assume that Coulombe would like to get at least that on an open market. A full season of the performance he put up over the last two seasons in Baltimore would make him well worth a $4 million salary. Given his age and potential injury risk, a one-year deal makes the most sense, however, a two-year deal with another option would also be realistic.
In a left-handed reliever market that hasn’t seen a ton of action yet, Coulombe may be the most underrated option. He should come at a relatively cheap price tag, and healthy, should perform as one of the better left-handed relievers in the league, if his last two seasons are any type of indication. Of course, there is an injury risk. However, at likely below a $5 million price tag, the absorption of that, if injury would result, isn’t a big deal.
As for how he would fit, the Mets really do not have any established left-handed arms in the bullpen right now. Danny Young is the top option, however, he has only 52 1/3 major-league innings under his belt. The Mets also have Génesis Cabrera and Anthony Gose, but they are both non-roster invitees to spring training.
President of baseball operations David Stearns must add a legit left-handed arm to his bullpen. Despite any risk Coulombe may bring in terms of injury, the potential payout, at a minimal price tag, would be well worth any risk.
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