The Mets are in settlement with free agent reliever Rico Garcia on a minor league contract, stories Anthony DiComo of MLB.com (X hyperlink). The Gaeta Sports activities Administration consumer will get an invitation to large league Spring Coaching on a deal that may pay him a $900K base wage if he makes the large league roster.
Garcia is attempting to work again to the large leagues after spending this 12 months in Triple-A. The righty had a pleasant 12 months for Washington’s high affiliate. Garcia saved 20 video games and turned in a 3.94 ERA via 61 2/3 innings. He struck out an enormous 34.1% of opposing hitters. That got here with a good variety of free passes, as an 11.5% stroll price is maybe the most important purpose he didn’t get an MLB look.
The 30-year-old Garcia has pitched in components of 4 large league campaigns between 5 groups. He has struggled to a 7.32 earned run common over 35 2/3 innings. His most up-to-date MLB motion got here with 10 appearances between the Athletics and Nationals in 2023. Garcia hasn’t carried over a lot bat-missing skill to the very best stage. His 12.4% profession strikeout price is effectively under common.
New York has made a pair bullpen depth additions because the offseason started. They gave Dylan Covey a main league contract final week. The 40-man spot provides Covey a leg up on Garcia and whichever different relievers the Mets add as non-roster invitees, however there’s more likely to be a good quantity of competitors for center aid roles in camp.