The New York Mets have consistently remained near the top of the NL East throughout the season, but their roster still has some weaknesses—particularly in the bullpen.
Closer Edwin Díaz appears to have returned to his dominant form, but manager Carlos Mendoza could benefit from additional depth beyond Reed Garrett. In an effort to reinforce their relief corps, the Mets traded for pitcher from the San Francisco Giants on Saturday.
According to New York Post reporter Mike Puma, the Mets sent cash considerations to the Giants in exchange for the 31-year-old right-hander. He never appeared in a major league game for San Francisco, another National League contender.
He brings two years of MLB experience from his time with the Cleveland Guardians and Boston Red Sox. His career stats—a 2-3 record and a 5.74 ERA over 38 appearances—aren’t particularly impressive, but the Mets are banking on the idea that a fresh environment might help him turn things around.
At this stage in the season, the Mets are focusing on minor roster adjustments. Their starting pitching and offensive production are among the league’s best, but the bullpen remains a concern when games are turned over to relievers.
Garza could serve as a long reliever, eating up innings following a short start and helping bridge the gap to Garrett and the rest of Mendoza’s bullpen options.
The Mets have about a week and a half to integrate Garza into their relief plans before entering a pivotal nine-game stretch. That stretch includes two series against the Atlanta Braves and a critical matchup with their chief division rival in 2025—the Philadelphia Phillies.
With Díaz back in elite form, the Mets are a serious threat. If Juan Soto can shake off his slow start in his debut season with New York, the team could become even more dangerous.
While Garza may simply be another bullpen option for Mendoza, if he performs well, he could carve out a role as a reliable bulk reliever—a valuable asset for any playoff contender.
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