As organizations continue to stockpile pitching depth throughout the offseason, minor league contracts often serve as low-risk, high-upside investments. For players fighting to extend their careers or rediscover consistency, these deals can provide a valuable reset. Dan Hammer now finds himself in that position, looking to turn raw stuff and experience into a fresh opportunity with a new club.
The 28-year-old right-hander, who spent several years developing in the Baltimore Orioles’ farm system before pitching last season with the Tampa Bay Rays’ Double-A affiliate, will remain on the East Coast in 2026. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the New York Mets have reached an agreement with Hammer on a minor league contract for the upcoming campaign.
Hammer appeared in 31 games for the Rays-affiliated Montgomery Biscuits in 2025, making one start while compiling a 2-4 record and a 6.57 ERA. His season proved challenging, as he registered a 2.113 WHIP after surrendering 52 hits and issuing 40 walks across 38.1 innings. Despite the command issues, he still managed to strike out 40 batters.
Over the course of 140 career minor league appearances between the Rays and Orioles organizations from 2019 through 2024, Hammer has totaled 249.2 innings. During that span, he recorded 303 strikeouts while walking 208 hitters, showcasing swing-and-miss ability alongside bouts of inconsistency.
Hammer joined the Rays through the minor league phase of the 2024 Rule 5 Draft. After struggling in his lone season with Montgomery, he entered free agency.
He now heads to a Mets organization reshaping its bullpen after losing closer Edwin Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers and anticipating the absence of left-hander A.J. Minter early in 2026 as he continues rehabbing from surgery. Pitching coach Cam Lanzilli recently shared footage from a free agent showcase in which Hammer’s four-seam fastball reached 97.5 mph, adding that the right-hander has incorporated both a two-seamer and a sweeper into his arsenal this offseason.
