New York Mets sign veteran reliever to minor league contract

Merryweather, a six-year pro, was most recently with the Chicago Cubs, but was DFA'd in late May after 21 appearances out of the bullpen. In 18.1 innings, the righty was 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA and 15 strikeouts. Merryweather's best season in Chicago was 2023, when he went 5-1 with a career-low 3.38 ERA across 69 appearances out of the pen.

Before joining the Cubs, Merryweather spent his early career in the Cleveland Indians' minor league system. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 and was moved to the Toronto Blue Jays in a trade for former AL MVP Josh Donaldson. It was here where Merryweather made his MLB debut in 2020 at age 28.

Merryweather's 2024 season was derailed by shoulder, back, and knee injuries, and he only managed to pitch in 15 games. The 33-year-old possesses above-average velocity in his fastball (96 mph), which he pairs with a slider.

David Stearns and the Mets targeted the righty as another injury-plagued arm that has had seasons of high-level production. Merryweather will look to regain this form in the minor leagues to fight for a role in the bullpen.