New York Mets sign lefty reliever to major league deal

Lovelady, who turns 30 in July, has pitched for five MLB teams across six seasons, posting a 5.26 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 8.3 K/9 rate in 110 career games. He began the 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays but was designated for assignment after only two appearances. After clearing waivers, he signed a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins.

In 19 appearances with Triple-A St. Paul, Lovelady recorded a 1.31 ERA, 26.5% strikeout rate, 8.4% walk rate, and 60.4% ground-ball rate over 20.2 innings. Despite his strong performance, he was never called up—leading him to exercise his June 15 opt-out and pursue other opportunities.

Lovelady utilizes a four-pitch mix, led by a sinker-slider combo. According to Statcast, his 86 mph slider was his most effective offering in 2024, generating a plus-3 run value and 28% whiff rate while holding opponents to a .226 batting average.

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Prior to adding Lovelady, the Mets had just one left-hander in their bullpen: José Castillo. New York carried two on its Opening Day roster—A.J. Minter and Danny Young—but lost both to season-ending injuries in late April.

The Mets could gain additional left-handed bullpen depth by mid-July. Brooks Raley, one of their most dependable relievers in 2023, recently began a rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.