The Mets are continuing to reshape their bullpen, bringing in veteran right-hander Luis García on a one-year deal worth $1.75 million, with another $1.25 million available in incentives. The deal is pending a physical, but assuming all goes well, García becomes the latest piece in what’s shaping up to be a very different relief corps in Queens.
At 38 - soon to be 39 - García is no stranger to the grind. Last season alone, he pitched for three different teams: the Dodgers, Nationals, and Angels.
Despite the frequent flyer miles, he turned in a solid campaign, posting a 3.42 ERA, a 3.28 FIP, and striking out 48 batters over 55 1/3 innings. He also managed a career-best 0.3 home runs allowed per nine innings - a key stat for a reliever whose job often involves protecting slim leads late in games.
What García brings to the Mets is experience and adaptability. This will be his ninth big-league team, having previously suited up for the Phillies, Padres, Cardinals, Red Sox, Rangers, and last year’s trio of clubs.
Over his career, he's logged 583 1/3 innings with a 4.07 ERA and 547 strikeouts. He’s not overpowering, but he’s savvy - the kind of arm that knows how to navigate tough spots and limit damage, even if he’s putting a few too many runners on base (his 1.46 WHIP last year reflects that).
For the Mets, this signing isn’t about flashy numbers - it’s about depth, durability, and having another veteran option in high-leverage spots. García joins a bullpen that’s undergone a quiet but meaningful overhaul this offseason.
The Mets added Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, and they’re expecting bounce-back seasons from A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley, both of whom missed significant time in 2025 due to injuries.
That group gives manager Carlos Mendoza a deeper and more versatile bullpen than he had for much of last season. And with García now in the mix, the Mets can better manage innings and matchups, especially during the dog days of summer.
Of course, the final bullpen picture is still coming into focus. Names like Huascar Brazobán and Richard Lovelady are in the conversation, along with prospects like Dylan Ross, who could push for a role with a strong spring. But with García now in the fold, the Mets have added another layer of stability to a unit that needed it.
It’s not a blockbuster signing, but it’s the kind of move that can pay off across a 162-game season - especially if García continues to keep the ball in the yard and miss bats when it counts.