Jorge Lopez Landing Spots: 3 potential destinations for former All-Star reliever after being DFA'd by Mets
It's been quite the week for former All-Star relief pitcher Jorge Lopez. The 31-year-old had a rough series of events during the New York Mets' loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.
After giving up a home run to Shohei Ohtani, Lopez got into an argument with third base umpire Ramon De Jesus, leading to his ejection.
"Just an overall hilarious sequence of events. Jorge Lopez allows an absolute tank to Shohei Ohtani. Then gets tossed by the THIRD BASE UMPIRE arguing a check swing that was clearly the correct call. And then he proceeds to toss his GLOVE into the stands" - @BlakeHHarris
It did not end there, as Jorge Lopez tossed his glove into the stands on his way to the dugout.
The entire situation, not to mention some choice words for the New York Mets led to the team designating him for assignment. It's clear that Lopez's time with the Mets is over, but, given his ability and track record, he should draw interest around the league.
Three potential landing spots for Jorge Lopez after being DFA'd by the Mets
#1 Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds could be an intriguing landing spot for Lopez, given the team's ambitions to reach the postseason this year despite their slow start.
The Reds' bullpen has been unreliable so far this season, with the combination of Alexis Diaz, Fernando Cruz and Lucas Sims all owning ERAs above 4.00. The team is also without veteran Emilio Pagan, who is on the 15-day IL.
"The Cincinnati #Reds bullpen faltered in a 6-4 extra-innings loss to San Diego on Thursday afternoon" - @redlegnation
Jorge Lopez has been a proven reliever throughout his career and has been solid this year for the lowly New York Mets. Lopez could help the Reds' stabilize their bullpen as they attempt to climb the standings.
#2 Toronto Blue Jays
Moving from the New York Mets to the Toronto Blue Jays might not be much of an upgrade from a team perspective.
Nevertheless, he could immediately find himself in high-leverage situations given the struggles of the Blue Jays bullpen. If Toronto is reluctant to start selling off its veterans, adding Lopez could be a low-risk, high-reward move.
#3 Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers may be the best fit for Lopez. The reigning World Series champions have started the season in a bit of a funk, and much like the teams mentioned above, bullpen stability could help change their fortunes.
"Jorge Lopez to the Texas Rangers for absolutely nothing #straightuptx" - @Oh_Katie_Babie
The Rangers have been the beneficiaries of stellar seasons from veterans such as Kirby Yates and David Robertson, but the same cannot be said for their original closer Jose Leclerc.
Given the injury track records of Yates and Robertson, bolstering their bullpen with a former All-Star might be in the Rangers' best interest.