NY Mets bring back useful depth piece who had a 3.00 ERA with them last season

He’s no Michael King, but he has his use. The New York Mets refuse to go long without making any sort of a move. Thursday’s addition, along with stealing an unsigned prospect from the New York Yankees, had them reuniting with a very useful part of last year’s roster depth, Kevin Herget.

Spanning 12 innings in 6 games, Herget pitched to a 3.00 ERA. Not half-bad for a journeyman reliever in his mid-30s who went into the season with only 24 games of MLB experience.

Swiped away by the Atlanta Braves via waivers, Herget posted excellent minor league numbers for both organizations. A 3.09 ERA overall (2.81 with Syracuse), he’ll come back to the Mets on a minor league deal as he fills in as additional depth for a team that just set a record for the most pitchers used in a single season.

The Mets continue to add to their roster depth in the same familiar ways

The group of relievers the Mets shuttled back and forth from the minors last year equaled one of the club’s best bullpen arms. Guys like Herget, Chris Devenski, Brandon Waddell, and others all put together strong campaigns. Rarely did they share a roster together. As strong as their numbers were, it was never the right thing to pencil any of them in as regular mainstays within the bullpen, except for maybe Rico Garcia. He was pitching with way too much ease to give up on.

For sure, several of these offseason additions will either be released or have a clause in their contract that’ll grant them an opt out if they don’t make the club out of camp. Herget, on a minor league deal and with limited experience, would have to have an insane spring training to re-enter the pool. All he’ll get is a minor league deal elsewhere.

One of several reunions the club has already made, Herget seems to be one of the more justified. The club signed Richard Lovelady to a split contract earlier this offseason. His deal will pay him a larger sum in the minors, making him easier to pass through waivers. They also made a previous claim on Jose Castillo, however, he has since been DFA’d and will pitch overseas.

Herget seems to be the last of the 2025 Mets relievers available who’d make sense to bring back. Some familiarity with the way the Mets operate and personal comfort on his behalf can help explain it. Now out of options this season, he’s one of those pitchers who could be bound for wearing multiple big league uniforms and circle back to the Mets once or twice more on waivers.