The Mets claimed a few depth pieces this afternoon.
The Mets added another potential piece to their bullpen today when they selected right-handed relief pitcher Kevin Herget off of waivers from the Brewers. Herget, a 33-year old Teaneck native who grew up a Mets fan, attended both high school (Park Ridge) and college (Kean) in New Jersey before being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013.
After an up and down start to his career that got derailed by both Tommy John surgery and the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season, Herget found himself playing independent ball before finding opportunities with the Rays, Reds, and Brewers. While with the Reds, Herget recorded a three-inning save against the Mets on May 11, 2023.
Herget throws four pitches, but relies mainly on his four-seam fastball, changeup, and cutter, rarely using his slider. In 11.1 innings over seven appearances, Herget struck out nine, walked three, and surrendered one home run while putting up a 1.59 ERA in 2024 with Milwaukee.
While we’ve seen a number of Brewers/Mets player swaps since David Stearns took over as Mets’ President of Baseball Operations, Herget was not in the Brewers organization when Stearns was there. So without firsthand knowledge from their POBO, the Mets are taking a very affordable flyer on a player who will still has an option and so will likely begin the year as part of the Syracuse bullpen.
The Mets also claimed right-handed utility player Luis De Los Santos from the Blue Jays. The 26 year old Dominican – a 2016 international free agent signing – made his MLB debut in July, appearing in 13 games for Toronto playing third base, first base, and left field. He collected five hits and ten strikeouts in his 31 plate appearances.
De Los Santos is currently hitting .270/.400/.670 for the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League.