New York Mets Sign Promising Veteran Reliever to Minor League Deal

The New York Mets have signed a promising left-handed veteran reliever to a minor league deal with an invite to MLB spring training.

Aug 7, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera (92) throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The New York Mets are continuing to add depth to their bullpen.

On Wednesday, the team announced that they signed veteran left-handed relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB spring training.

Cabrera is coming off a season with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he posted a 3.59 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP and 50 strikeouts across 62.2 innings (69 appearances).

Toronto removed Cabrera from their 40-man roster earlier in the month and assigned him to Triple-A Buffalo. However, Cabrera rejected the assignment and ultimately became a free agent, which led to him signing with the Mets.

Cabrera, 28, has had some success in the big-leagues in the past, but struggles with his command. The hard-throwing lefty had a below-average 10.7% walk rate in 2024 and has never walked less than 10% of the batters he has faced in a season.

For his career, Cabrera has pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals and Blue Jays, posting a 3.89 ERA, a 1.35 WHIP, 268 strikeouts and five saves in 272 appearances.

The southpaw has proven he can be serviceable in a big-league bullpen and comes with high-leverage experience. Upon being acquired by the Blue Jays in July of 2023, Cabrera produced a 2.66 ERA in his final 29 appearances of the campaign.

Danny Young is currently the only left-hander on the Mets' 40-man roster, so taking a flier on Cabrera makes sense as a low risk, high upside option.

Cabrera will certainly be competing for a spot in the Mets' bullpen come spring training. In the very least, the lefty can serve as an experienced depth arm in Triple-A.