Mets Player Enters MLB Free Agency on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 6:32 PM ET

The New York Mets have a lot of questions to answer regarding their roster heading into 2026. New York’s pitching collapsed after the All-Star break, and the high-powered offense of Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso could not overcome it. They missed out on the MLB playoffs, finishing with an 83–79 record just a year after reaching the NLCS.

To make matters worse, Alonso opted out of his contract in early November along with All-Star closing pitcher Edwin Díaz. Their futures with the Mets are not guaranteed, as they are both unrestricted free agents. New York will likely have to add two quality starting pitchers as well as reinforce the bullpen, regardless of whether Díaz re-signs.

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As they formulate the roster, the Mets decided one particular pitcher would not be part of their plans for 2026. The Mets non-tendered left-handed reliever Danny Young on Thursday, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic.

“The Mets are planning to non-tender lefty reliever Danny Young, league source says. Young, who is not yet arb-eligible, had Tommy John surgery in May. He recently started throwing and is on pace to return at some point in the first half of 2026,” Sammon wrote on Thursday.

The Mets are planning to non-tender lefty reliever Danny Young, league source says. Young, who is not yet arb-eligible, had Tommy John surgery in May. He recently started throwing and is on pace to return at some point in the first half of 2026.
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) November 20, 2025

As a result, Young will enter free agency in hopes of finding a new club. As Sammon reported, Young underwent Tommy John surgery, and it is unclear how he will look once recovered, which is likely why the Mets were hesitant to give him a contract.

Young has spent the last two years with the Mets, operating out of the bullpen. The 31-year-old debuted for the Seattle Mariners in 2022 before being designated for assignment and picked up by the Atlanta Braves, where he spent two more seasons before ending up in New York.

Before his season-ending injury, Young posted a 4.32 ERA over ten appearances, striking out 13 batters. He is primarily used against left-handed hitters, with an arm angle that has led to a high strikeout rate.

However, the Mets have decided he will not be in the cards for 2026 as they navigate their bullpen. With roster spots at a premium and health still a question, the club chose to move on.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: