The New York Mets made significant roster moves on Friday, highlighted by a new one-year contract with right-hander to avoid arbitration. The agreement provides a much-needed boost to Carlos Mendoza’s squad as the Mets aim to strengthen their pitching depth for 2024.
Reid-Foley, 29, shone in limited action this past season, posting a stellar 1.66 ERA over 23 appearances while striking out 25 batters in 21 2/3 innings. Despite his effectiveness, injuries—most notably a recurring right shoulder impingement—limited his availability, sidelining him for the entire second half. Still, his upside was enough for the Mets to keep him in their plans.
The club also announced several non-tender decisions, parting ways with right-hander Grant Hartwig and left-hander Alex Young, who are now free agents. Additionally, the Mets released Alex Ramírez, once one of their most promising outfield prospects. While neither Ramírez nor Hartwig was arbitration-eligible, their departures clear valuable 40-man roster spots.
Young, 31, posted a respectable 3.29 ERA in 14 games after being claimed off waivers from the Giants. However, his inability to stick with one team—five organizations in four seasons—factored into the decision. Hartwig, 26, appeared in 32 games over the past two seasons but was sidelined by a torn meniscus this year.
Meanwhile, the Mets tendered contracts to all remaining arbitration-eligible players, including pitchers Paul Blackburn, Tylor Megill, and David Peterson, catcher Luis Torrens, and outfielder Tyrone Taylor. Blackburn, who underwent surgery in October to repair a spinal fluid leak, is a notable gamble due to his uncertain availability for Opening Day. Despite the risk, the Mets opted to keep him, recognizing their urgent need for rotation depth.
These moves continue the Mets’ offseason strategy of retooling their roster, signaling a balance between investing in proven contributors and making room for future flexibility. With Reid-Foley back in the fold and roster space opening up, the team appears poised for further adjustments as they build toward a competitive 2024 campaign.
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