Mets Sign Journeyman Reliever to Bolster Their Bullpen

Mets Sign Free Agent Reliever Luis García to One-Year Deal

García, 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).

One concern in García’s 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.

García now rounds out a bullpen that includes Devin Williams, Brooks Raley, A.J. Minter (expected back by early April or May), Luke Weaver, Huascar Brazobán, and Dylan Ross. Others in the mix include Adbert Alzolay, Richard Lovelady, Cooper Criswell, Jonathan Pintaro, and Ryan Lambert. 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.

García’s 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 28–30 record, a 4.07 ERA, a 1.421 WHIP, and 547 strikeouts across 603 appearances (583 1/3 innings).

While this is a relatively small move for the Mets, it could pay dividends if García delivers a quality season. With the additions New York has made, the hope is that the bullpen can outperform last year’s unit, which finished 15th overall.