The New York Mets have recently agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with right-hander Jorge Lopez. This signing comes as the Mets have been actively working to strengthen their bullpen and add more depth to their organization. Lopez, 30, had a career-best performance in 2022 when he showcased his skills as a front-line reliever. However, he struggled with three different teams in the 2023 season, which led to his regression. Despite this setback, the Mets are optimistic that Lopez’s strong pitching abilities will allow him to make a comeback.
During the 2022 season, Lopez’s transition from the rotation to the bullpen brought about a significant improvement in his pitching. With an increased velocity and the use of a 98 mph fastball along with a heavy curveball, Lopez achieved an impressive 2.54 ERA. Unfortunately, his midseason trade from the Baltimore Orioles to the Minnesota Twins had a negative impact on his performance, and his struggles continued into the 2023 season. After being traded to the Miami Marlins and later returning to the Orioles, Lopez posted a disappointing 5.95 ERA in 59 innings across the three teams.
Under the leadership of the new president of baseball operations, David Stearns, the New York Mets have been actively addressing their pitching needs. In the past week alone, the team claimed catchers Cooper Hummel and Tyler Heineman off waivers, signed pitchers Kyle Crick and Andre Scrubb, and added infielder Jose Iglesias to minor league deals. Additionally, they secured a split major league deal with reliever Michael Tonkin and invested $13 million in starter Luis Severino. These moves demonstrate the Mets’ commitment to improving their pitching depth and revitalizing their roster after a disappointing 75-87 season.
Jorge Lopez will be joining forces with Mets closer Edwin Diaz, with whom he played alongside on Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. However, Diaz suffered a patellar tendon rupture in his right knee while celebrating a victory over the Dominican Republic. Nevertheless, his return to the bullpen adds depth to the Mets’ pitching staff. Currently, left-hander Brooks Raley is the only other pitcher on the team with a clearly defined role. Thus, the Mets are still actively seeking additional pitching options.
One potential target for the Mets is Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, and other teams are also interested in signing Yamamoto. Given his level of interest and talent, Yamamoto’s contract, along with the posting fee, is expected to reach the range of $300 million. Adding Yamamoto to their roster would be a significant move for the Mets, further strengthening their pitching staff.
The New York Mets have made a strategic move by signing Jorge Lopez to a one-year contract. This acquisition adds depth to their bullpen and demonstrates their commitment to improving their pitching depth. With the addition of Lopez and the return of Edwin Diaz, the Mets are working towards building a formidable bullpen. Furthermore, their pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto showcases their determination to further strengthen their pitching staff. Overall, the Mets are taking significant steps to bounce back from a disappointing season and compete at a higher level in the upcoming year.
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