Reed Garrett will not be a member of the Mets’ bullpen in 2026, regardless of what they do with it this offseason.
Garrett underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, the team confirmed, and will be out for the rest of next season. Garrett’s months-long battle with right elbow troubles, which forced him to miss the most of the campaign’s last five weeks, comes to a conclusion.
Garrett was initially diagnosed with elbow inflammation in August and spent a minimum of time on the disabled list before returning to make four games in mid-September. When Garrett began experiencing additional discomfort in his elbow, the Mets shut him down and sent him for an MRI, which confirmed a sprain. Doctors eventually advised Garrett have a UCL repair to correct it.
Garrett should be out for the rest of the season due to the procedure, which usually takes 12-18 months to recover from. He is the sixth Mets pitcher to have Tommy John surgery this season, following Danny Young, Dedniel Núñez, Frankie Montas, and Tylor Megill. Drew Smith and Christian Scott both had the operation last year and are currently healing.
Garrett has a 3.83 ERA over the previous two seasons, including his breakout effort in 2024. He will most certainly be eligible for arbitration as a Super Two player this summer, requiring the Mets to make a financial choice concerning his future.
In any case, New York’s bullpen will look very different next season, with Garrett out and Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, Gregory Soto, and Ryne Stanek all available to become free agents. Closer Edwin Díaz is expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent.
Assuming A.J. Minter exercises his $11 million option on his own contract, he will lead a smaller group of healthy, returning relievers. Huascar Brazobán, Brooks Raley, and a bevy of younger, less-tested arms are also in this category.