The New York Mets kicked off their offseason moves with a surprising signing of free agent pitcher, but not everyone is convinced it was the best approach. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared concerns that suggest there might be some issues with the logic behind this deal.
Following the World Series, the Mets quickly jumped into action, signing Covey, a right-handed pitcher who last played for the Philadelphia Phillies. Although Covey posted a decent 3.69 ERA across 39 innings in 2023, he was mainly used in low-stakes, mop-up situations. His one start for the Phillies, back in May, was a rough outing in which he allowed seven runs to the Braves and exited in the first inning.
Covey’s overall track record leaves room for doubt. Now 33, he holds a career 6.18 ERA across 300 innings in the big leagues. While he did manage a 2.66 ERA in his limited 20 innings in the minors last year, his age and history raise questions about his ability to make a major impact.
The Mets’ decision to grant Covey a major league contract rather than a minor league deal adds complexity. At his stage in the league, Covey no longer has any minor league options, so the Mets are locked into keeping him on the 40-man roster, at least initially. Many would argue that a minor league deal, with flexibility to send him to Triple-A if necessary, would have been more prudent.
Mendoza acknowledged the need for bullpen depth but seemed puzzled by the team’s approach in signing Covey with such a firm commitment. Given Covey’s limited big-league success, his spring training performance may end up as the deciding factor. If Covey struggles, a release or assignment to Syracuse could follow.
While it’s typical to see teams make small, depth-focused moves early in the offseason, the Mets’ decision here feels risky. Some fans and analysts are questioning whether the Mets and new president David Stearns might be overestimating Covey’s potential impact. Whether he’ll secure a lasting role remains uncertain, but his inclusion raises more questions than answers for now.
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