NEW YORK — As they look to finalize their bullpen mix with less than three weeks until the start of Spring Training, the Mets have added a longtime veteran reliever.
The team signed sign right-hander Luis García to a one-year contract on Wednesday, adding him to a bullpen that also includes newcomers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.
García, who will turn 39 later this month, has remained an effective pitcher despite his age. Last season, he produced a 3.42 ERA in 58 games split between three teams: the Angels, Nationals and Dodgers. He is a 13-year veteran of eight clubs. A hard thrower, García averaged 96.9 mph with his signature sinker last season, complementing that pitch with a sweeper and splitter.
In New York, García will work in front of Williams, the closer, and Weaver, his primary right-handed setup man. The bullpen also figures to include lefties A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley. Right-hander Huascar Brazobán, who is out of Minor League options, stands a strong chance of making the team, but he will compete for a spot alongside a host of others.
With that mix, the Mets hope to improve the results of a bullpen that ranked 15th in the Majors in ERA last season. It will be a challenge considering their best reliever, Edwin Díaz, went to the Dodgers in free agency, but the additions of Williams, Weaver and now García should help.
