The New York Mets are gearing up for a busy offseason as they aim to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff push in 2025. In addition to locking up superstar slugger Pete Alonso, the Mets must address the bullpen, which was a major weakness for the team last season.
While their latest move isn’t earth-shattering, it represents an important step toward revitalizing their underperforming relief staff. On Monday, the Mets signed right-handed pitcher Justin Hagenman to a one-year free agent contract.
Hagenman, who spent a season and a half with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox without receiving a call-up to the major leagues, was previously in the Boston Red Sox farm system.
Over his six-year minor league career, Hagenman has compiled a solid 32-15 record with a 3.87 ERA, a 421-to-122 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a.243 batting average against, and a 1.23 WHIP. He was traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Red Sox at the 2023 trade deadline as part of a deal that sent two-time World Series champion Kiké Hernández to LA.
With Hagenman now leaving Boston, the Red Sox have little to show from that trade, as fellow pitcher Nick Robertson was recently traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. Although Hagenman has more bullpen experience, he had a slightly better performance as a starter in 2023 for Triple-A Worcester.
It’s unclear what role the Mets envision for Hagenman, but he could have a shot at making his MLB debut in 2025, potentially as a depth piece or in a bullpen role. This move is part of the Mets’ ongoing efforts to improve their pitching staff and set themselves up for a successful season ahead.
