The New York Mets made a pair of pitching additions, highlighted by a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. The team acquired two key stars to a major league contract, with both pitchers now joining the Mets’ 40-man roster.
One among the top stars, who was designated for assignment by the Rays on Monday, appeared in two big-league games this season — his first MLB action since 2020. The 28-year-old spent most of the year at Triple-A Durham, posting a 6.23 ERA over 34 appearances while striking out 54 batters in 43 2/3 innings.
Before joining the Rays, Gerber spent time in the Yankees organization as a non-roster invitee, reaching Triple-A last summer. He’ll look to make a strong impression with New York in spring training and compete for a bullpen spot heading into 2026.
Waddell, 31, returns to the Mets after appearing in 11 games — including one start — during the 2025 season. The left-hander posted a 3.45 ERA over 31 1/3 innings, allowing 12 earned runs and striking out 22 batters. He spent most of the year with Triple-A Syracuse, where he worked primarily as a starter, logging 15 starts in 19 total appearances and a 5.02 ERA.
Elsewhere on the pitching front, the Mets declined their 2026 club option on right-hander Drew Smith, making him a free agent. Meanwhile, the team exercised its option on Brooks Raley, and both A.J. Minter and Frankie Montas opted in to their player options for next season.