In a bold move that showcases the New York Mets’ proactive approach to bolstering their roster, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has made yet another eyebrow-raising acquisition. Just days after the minor-league signing of Chris Devenski, the Mets announced a one-year, major-league contract for right-handed reliever Dylan Covey. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the deal itself has sparked intrigue—and skepticism—throughout the fan base and the wider MLB community.
The reaction stems largely from Covey’s unconventional path and statistics. His career thus far features a 6.18 ERA over five seasons (spanning 307 1/3 innings), with performance fluctuations that have left many questioning his fit in a major-league bullpen. Despite these past struggles, Covey’s 2023 season hints at potential, as he compiled a 3.77 ERA over 43 innings split between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. Still, concerns linger due to his low strikeout rate of 15.7%, signaling that while he can limit damage, he doesn’t overpower hitters.
MLB insiders were quick to weigh in. The industry-standard publication, MLB Trade Rumors, characterized the Mets’ decision to offer Covey a big-league deal as “somewhat surprising,” citing his absence from the majors last year while recovering from a shoulder strain. During his time rehabbing in 2023, Covey managed to showcase his talents at the minor-league level, recording a 2.66 ERA across 20 1/3 innings with 19 strikeouts and a more promising 23% strikeout rate.
Stearns’ approach to revamping the bullpen has been strategic, clearly focused on finding diamonds in the rough who could outperform expectations. Covey’s recent performances, both in minor-league stints and during his brief MLB appearances in 2023, likely convinced the Mets’ front office that he could be a valuable depth option or a reclamation project with upside.
For fans who have witnessed the Mets’ high-profile, big-budget spending over recent years, this move signals a pivot towards more calculated risks. With a bullpen in flux and question marks looming over key roles, Covey’s signing might be seen as either a testament to Stearns’ keen eye for untapped potential or a gamble that leaves fans anxious for results.
While ticket sales for the upcoming season continue to surge, with options available through popular platforms like VividSeats and StubHub, Mets fans are bracing for a 2025 that could be defined by surprising acquisitions and unexpected successes. Whether Covey emerges as a mainstay or becomes a fleeting chapter in the Mets’ roster overhaul, one thing is clear: this move is keeping everyone on their toes.
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