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Mets predicted to sign star reliever.
Heading into the 2026 MLB season, the New York Mets appear to be one of the best teams in the National League on paper.
During the offseason, the Mets were one of the most aggressive teams in baseball. Due to that aggressiveness, they were able to add some top-tier talent that should put them in a position to compete for a World Series run.
Among the aggressive moves this offseason were the signing of star infielder Bo Bichette and the blockbuster trade to acquire starting pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. Both of those moves will create a positive impact for years to come.
New York also has another piece coming back this season at full health who could make a massive impact out of the bullpen.
New York Mets Receive Good News About Adbert Alzolay
In January of 2025, the Mets agreed to terms on a free agent deal with former Chicago Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay. They signed him to a two-year minor league contract and that move could pay off this season.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Will Sammon, Alzolay is healthy and good to go ahead of spring training.
“Beyond Craig Kimbrel, who is a non-roster invitee to spring training, Mets officials are also intrigued by the potential of relievers Dylan Ross, Ryan Lambert, Jonathan Pintaro (multi-inning capacity), Alex Carrillo, Daniel Duarte, Nate Lavender and Adbert Alzolay, who is expected to be healthy as a full-go at spring training,” Sammon wrote.
Assuming Alzolay is truly fully healthy and is able to stay that way, he will be more than capable of handling a consistent role out of the New York bullpen.
Alzolay hasn’t pitched since the 2024 season with the Cubs. He appeared in 18 games that year, compiling a 1-4 record to go along with a 4.67 ERA, a 1.44 WHIP, a 2.2 K/BB ratio, four saves, a hold, and five blown saves.
Back in 2023, however, the 30-year-old reliever made 58 appearances for Chicago. He went 2-5 with a 2.67 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 5.2 K/BB ratio, 22 saves, seven holds, and three blown saves.
There Are Many Reasons to Be Excited About the Mets’ Chances
On the outside looking in, the Mets have the talent necessary to win a championship. If the team comes together and plays to its full potential, the sky is the limit.
The roster is built well. They have both elite pitching and an offense more than capable of being one of the best in baseball. There is plenty of star power in all facets of the game.
It will be interesting to see if Alzolay is able to make an impact this season. He was at one point an up-and-coming closer for the Cubs.
Hopefully, he’s able to get back to that level of play now that he’s healthy. New York would be in a much better position if he’s able to do so.
Evan Massey Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Newsweek, Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son. More about Evan Massey
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