BREAKING NEWS: New York Mets GM Explains the Team’s Decision to Sign Veteran Swingman José Ureña…
The New York Mets have made a strategic move by signing veteran right-handed pitcher José Ureña to a minor league deal. The initial report was broken by Tim Healey, further adding credibility to the signing.
Ureña, now entering his age-34 season, first debuted in Major League Baseball with the Miami Marlins in 2015. Over the past ten seasons, he has established himself as a versatile pitcher, capable of both starting and relieving. His career has included stints with the Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, and, most recently, the Texas Rangers.
During the 2024 season with Texas, Ureña provided valuable innings, making nine starts and 24 relief appearances. In total, he logged 109 innings with a respectable 3.80 ERA. While he is not known for overpowering hitters with strikeouts, Ureña excels at inducing ground balls. His 49.7% ground ball rate placed him in the 84th percentile among MLB pitchers last season. Notably, his ERA as a reliever was nearly a full run lower than when he started, suggesting he could be an effective bullpen asset for the Mets if needed.
Mets General Manager David Stearns addressed the decision, emphasizing Ureña’s experience and flexibility as key factors in the signing. “With the injuries we’ve faced in our rotation, bringing in a veteran with Ureña’s track record gives us much-needed depth. He has the ability to start or work out of the bullpen, which is invaluable as we navigate the season.”
The Mets’ pitching staff has already been hit by injuries, including Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. Ureña joins a group of depth options that includes Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn, Max Kranick, and Griffin Canning. His presence provides the Mets with a potential spot starter or long reliever, depending on how the rotation shakes out.
Ultimately, this is a low-risk, high-upside move for the Mets. If Ureña can replicate his effectiveness from last season, particularly as a reliever, he could play a crucial role in stabilizing the team’s pitching staff in 2025.
