It may not be the high-profile pitching addition Mets fans were hoping for, but the team has added another arm to its rotation depth.
On Wednesday, the Mets announced the signing of former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Connor Overton to a minor league deal. The 31-year-old missed most of the 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, logging just 36.2 innings across three minor league affiliates in the Reds organization, where he posted a 7.85 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP.
Originally drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 15th round of the 2014 MLB Draft, Overton has bounced around several organizations, including the Giants, Nationals, Pirates, and Blue Jays. Most of his professional career has been spent in the minors.
The signing comes amid a familiar struggle for the Mets’ pitching staff. On Tuesday, the team announced that offseason acquisition Frankie Montas will miss multiple months due to a lat injury, dealing a significant blow to a rotation already lacking a true ace.
This marks the fourth consecutive Spring Training in which the Mets have lost a starting pitcher, following last year’s injury to Kodai Senga, who suffered a shoulder issue.
Pat Ragazzo of Mets On SI reported Wednesday that the Mets and former starter José Quintana have mutual interest in a reunion. Given Quintana’s familiarity with the team and their need for another left-handed arm, he would be the most straightforward short-term solution for New York’s rotation.
As for Connor Overton, his signing is unlikely to have an immediate impact on the Mets’ rotation, but he could serve as valuable midseason depth, either as a starter or a bullpen option. Overton last pitched in the Arizona Complex League in July, making four starts and posting a 1-1 record with a solid 3.86 ERA and 0.86 WHIP.
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