Mets Reinforce Relief Pitching with Veteran Luis García
The New York Mets have bolstered their relief pitching corps with the signing of veteran right-hander Luis García to a one-year deal, according to sports journalist Joel Sherman. The contract, pending a physical examination, is reportedly worth $1.75 million, with García able to earn an additional $1.25 million in incentives. García, turning 39 later this month, had a productive 2023 season, pitching for the Dodgers, Nationals, and Angels. He posted a solid 3.42 ERA, 3.28 FIP, and 1.46 WHIP, with 48 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings. His performance earned him a 0.8 bWAR, a career-best 0.3 HR/9, and impressive strikeout-to-walk ratios of 8.7 and 4.2, respectively.
García's career statistics are equally impressive, with a 4.07 ERA, 3.92 FIP, and 1.42 WHIP across 583 1/3 innings, and 547 strikeouts. This marks his ninth team in the MLB, having previously played for the Phillies, Padres, Cardinals, Red Sox, and Rangers, in addition to the three clubs he played for last season. The Mets' addition of García, along with Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, and the return of A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley from injury-shortened seasons, provides a strong foundation for the bullpen. The remaining spots are expected to be filled by Huascar Brazobán, Richard Lovelady, and promising prospects like Dylan Ross, giving Mets manager Carlos Mendoza a well-rounded group of relievers to rely on for the upcoming season.
