Sean Reid-Foley/Photo by Ed Delaney of MMO
Jacob Resnick of SNY reports the New York Mets have signed Sean Reid-Foley and Tommy Hunter have signed minor league deals and will be returning to the organization. These signings provide depth to the Mets bullpen.
This marks the third straight season Hunter has signed a minor league deal with the Mets. In the previous two seasons, he would make his way to pitch in the majors. In 2021, he was traded with Matthew Dyer as the Mets obtained Rich Hill from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Last season, Hunter, 36, made 18 appearances for the Mets going 0-1 with a 2.42 ERA, 1.209 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9, and an 8.7 K/9. He had started the season on the IL stemming from back surgery due to multiple disc herniations. He would end the 2022 season on the IL due to back discomfort.
Two strikeouts for Tommy Hunter to get the Mets through the 6th pic.twitter.com/26DcrjdGPh
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 22, 2022
Reid-Foley, 27, was part of the three pitcher prospect return the Mets received from the Toronto Blue Jays for Steven Matz. With Reid-Foly signing a minor league deal, he is the only prospect from that trade still with the Mets organization,.
Reid-Foley only made seven appearances with the Mets last season before he was shut down with a torn UCL. He underwent successful Tommy John surgery on May 10. As a result of his not being available for at least part of next season due to the rehabilitation, he was non-tendered at the outset of the offseason. Notably, Reid-Foley does not have any minor league options remaining.
Sean Reid-Foley has left the game due to injury. pic.twitter.com/5BTzcNsTpr
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 1, 2022
While a starter with the Blue Jays, he was converted to a reliever with the Mets. Over the 2021-2022 seasons, he made 19 relief appearances pitching 30 2/3 innings. He was 2-1 with a 5.28 ERA, 1.467 WHIP, 4.7 BB/9, and a 10.0 K/9.
It is anticipated Hunter will battle for a spot in the Mets bullpen during Spring Training, and Reid-Foley will be ticketed for Triple-A Syracuse until he is ready to being his rehab assignment. Neither are the type of impact late inning reliever the Mets need for the bullpen, but both should provide the much needed depth the organization will need as they seek to use a number of relievers over the course of a 162 game season.
