NEW YORK — No matter what the Mets do to their bullpen over the offseason, Reed Garrett will not realistically be part of it in 2026.
Garrett underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, the team announced, knocking him out for all next season. Thus ends a months-long saga of right elbow issues for Garrett, who missed most of the campaign’s final five weeks.
Initially diagnosed with elbow inflammation in August, Garrett spent a minimum stay on the injured list before returning to make four appearances in mid-September. When Garrett began feeling renewed discomfort in his elbow, however, the Mets shut him down and sent him for an MRI, which revealed a sprain. Doctors ultimately recommended Garrett undergo a UCL reconstruction to fix it.
The operation, which typically carries a recovery timeline of 12-18 months, should keep Garrett sidelined throughout next season. He became the fifth Mets pitcher to undergo Tommy John surgery this year, joining Danny Young, Dedniel Núñez, Frankie Montas and Tylor Megill. Drew Smith and Christian Scott also underwent the procedure last year and are still recovering.
Including his breakout 2024 campaign, Garrett has produced a 3.83 ERA over the last two seasons. He will likely be eligible for arbitration as a Super Two player this offseason, forcing the Mets to make a financial decision about his future.
In any event, New York’s bullpen will look markedly different next year, with Garrett sidelined and Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, Gregory Soto and Ryne Stanek all eligible to become free agents. Closer Edwin Díaz is also likely to opt out of his contract and enter free agency.
Assuming A.J. Minter exercises the $11 million option on his own deal, he will lead a smaller contingent of healthy, returning relievers. Others in that bucket include Huascar Brazobán, Brooks Raley and a slew of younger, relatively untested arms.
