Mets Sign Veteran Reliever In Intriguing Move

The New York Mets have added another relief pitcher to the mix.

On Friday, the Mets signed right-handed pitcher Kyle Crick to a minor league deal with an invite to major league spring training, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. 

Crick, 31, did not pitch in the major leagues in 2023 after opting out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays at the conclusion of spring training.

Crick pitched for the Chicago White Sox in 2022, posting a 4.02 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 19 strikeouts across 15.2 innings and 14 appearances. He saw his season end prematurely due to an elbow injury.

In his six-year career, Crick has produced a 3.56 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 201 strikeouts in 187.1 innings over 194 appearances, all as a reliever. In addition to the Rays, he has spent time with the San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Crick has two main pitches in his arsenal, an 80 mph slider, which he is heavily reliant on, as well as a 92 mph fastball. 

The Mets have just Edwin Diaz, Drew Smith and Brooks Raley in their bullpen and are in need of more relievers. Crick will have an opportunity to claim a spot in the big-leagues during camp.

Beyond Crick, the Mets also signed righty reliever Austin Adams to a one-year major league split deal on Thursday.