Prior to a crucial game against the New York Yankees, the New York Mets added additional depth to their bullpen.
On May 15, the organization said that they had assigned another reliever and added a former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher.
“In return for monetary considerations, we have purchased LHP Jose Castillo from Arizona. RHP Kevin Herget has been assigned as a result of this action,” the organization stated in a statement on X.
Mets Fill Bullpen Need With Jose Castillo
Before the team’s Subway Series matchup in the Bronx begins on Friday, the move will provide the bullpen more depth.
The 6-foot-6 Castillo has played in 45 big league games over five seasons, the most of which have been with the San Diego Padres, as Phillip Martinez of SNY pointed out. After missing the 2024 season due to an ACL injury, he had a difficult time making a comeback to the mound this season.
Martinez said, “Castillo, 29, had pitched to an 11.37 ERA across 6.1 innings in five Diamondbacks games this season.” In his most recent outing, he gave up three runs in two innings against the Dodgers on May 11. On the next day, Castillo was assigned.
Since SNY’s Andy Martino revealed earlier this month that the team was looking for a lefty out of the bullpen, the move was not wholly unexpected.
Martino tweeted, “Yes, I understand that the Mets are looking to trade for lefty bullpen help after the injuries to Danny Young (elbow) and A.J. Minter (lat strain).” According to most estimations, Minter won’t be back until September. Some people are cautiously optimistic that August could arrive. Unfortunately, it seems like Young will need season-ending UCL surgery.
Martino went so far as to predict that the Mets would shop around, implying that they wouldn’t get a well-known name.
He wrote, “Let’s not worry about identifying specific trade targets.” It’s not as though Tanner Scott is at issue. It will be for a Pretty Good Lefty Guy (or Righty Guy With Good Splits) if the Mets can make a trade. When he arrives, we’ll find out his name.
Mets Prepared for Subway Series
Before the Mets head to the Bronx to play the Yankees in the most anticipated series of the early season, the Castillo deal adds some drama. Juan Soto, who helped the Yankees win the World Series the previous season before signing a $765 million contract with the Queens in free agency, will be making his homecoming during the game.
It was a difficult choice. Soto told Jon Heyman of the New York Post, “We couldn’t finish even though (the Yankees) were number one.” However, everything works for a reason in the end. I have faith in our work. We’ll see what transpires.
Soto stated that, despite the Mets’ explosive start, he is still pleased with the choice.
“No, no. I’m glad I made the choice I did,” Soto remarked. “You glance around. Our crew is incredible. Additionally, it will be a strong squad for a very long time.
