After striking early in the postseason to add Trevor May, the Mets flirted with other prominent free agent relievers to bolster their bullpen—most notably Brad Hand. However, whether over money or a clearer potential path to close, the Mets lost out. In late January, the team pivoted to Aaron Loup, signing the 33-year-old to a one-year, $3 million contract, and in the process filling a glaring need in the major league bullpen for a left-handed reliever.
After a couple of solid seasons in Toronto early in his career in 2013 and 2014, Loup had been primarily looked at—and employed as—a LOOGY early over the following years, averaging fewer innings than appearances every year thereafter.