{"id":532320,"date":"2026-01-22T08:11:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T08:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/532320\/"},"modified":"2026-01-22T08:11:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T08:11:24","slug":"mets-sign-veteran-reliever-to-bolster-bullpen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/532320\/","title":{"rendered":"Mets Sign Veteran Reliever to Bolster Bullpen"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Spring Training approaches with just three weeks to go, the New York Mets<\/a> made a move on Wednesday to bolster their bullpen. New York has agreed to a one-year, $1.75 million deal with right-hander Luis Garc\u00eda<\/a>, the team announced. The contract includes $1.2 million in incentives. In a corresponding move, they designated infielder Tsung-Che Cheng<\/a> for assignment.<\/p>\n

\"\"Jul 21, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Luis Garcia (9) throws during the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
\nMets Sign Free Agent Reliever Luis Garc\u00eda to One-Year Deal<\/p>\n

Garc\u00eda, who turns 39 on January 30, is entering his 14th MLB season. Last year, he pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Angels, posting a 3.42 ERA and 1.464 WHIP while striking out 48 batters across 58 appearances (55 1\/3 innings).<\/p>\n

We have made the following roster moves. pic.twitter.com\/XFiAv7DftR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 New York Mets (@Mets) January 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

One concern in Garc\u00eda\u2019s 2025 campaign was his command. He issued 26 walks over those 55 1\/3 innings, contributing to traffic on the bases despite his solid run prevention.<\/p>\n

Garc\u00eda now rounds out a bullpen that includes Devin Williams<\/a>, Brooks Raley<\/a>, A.J. Minter<\/a> (expected back by early April or May), Luke Weaver<\/a>, Huascar Brazob\u00e1n<\/a>, and Dylan Ross<\/a>. Others in the mix include Adbert Alzolay<\/a>, Richard Lovelady<\/a>, Cooper Criswell<\/a>, Jonathan Pintaro<\/a>, and Ryan Lambert<\/a>. Criswell was claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox earlier this offseason, while Alzolay signed a two-year minor league deal in 2024. The right-hander missed all of last season due to injury but appeared in the Venezuelan Winter League in December, allowing two earned runs over four innings.<\/p>\n

Garc\u00eda\u2019s arsenal is led by a sinker that averaged 96.9 mph, complemented by a sweeper and a splitter. Over a 13-year career with eight different organizations, he owns a 28\u201330 record, a 4.07 ERA, a 1.421 WHIP, and 547 strikeouts across 603 appearances (583 1\/3 innings).<\/p>\n

While this is a relatively small move for the Mets, it could pay dividends if Garc\u00eda delivers a quality season. With the additions New York has made, the hope is that the bullpen can outperform last year\u2019s unit, which finished 15th overall.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Main Photo Credit: \u00a9 Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t