The Mets are getting a pitcher back without making a deal this offseason.
The Tampa Bay Rays DFA'd Nate Lavender earlier this month and since he was outrighted off the team's 40-man roster, he will return to the Mets' Triple-A roster.
Lavender was acquired via the Rule 5 Draft last winter, but he suffered an elbow injury that required an internal brace procedure.
The 25-year-old made five Triple-A appearances (one start) with Syracuse in 2024 before he suffered an injury. In that time, he pitched to a 3.86 ERA. Before that, however, Lavender had some buzz heading into the 2024 season after pitching to a 1.74 ERA in seven Double-A appearances and a 3.27 ERA in 35 Triple-A appearances in 2023.
It's unclear how far along Lavender is in his rehab, but he could pitch for a spot in the bullpen as a depth piece this spring.
