On Tuesday, Jake Diekman and the New York Mets reached an agreement on a $4 million, one-year contract with a club option.
A guaranteed $4 million option is held by New York for 2025, if the left-handed reliever appears in at least 58 games this season. Last Monday, the parties reached an agreement on terms, pending a positive physical exam.
During the previous season, Diekman, 37, had 63 bullpen appearances for the White Sox and Rays, going 0-2 with a 3.34 ERA. In early May, he was released by Chicago and signed with Tampa Bay four days later. During his time there, he had much greater success, finishing with a 2.18 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings across 50 appearances.
In 12 major league seasons, Diekman is 25-31 with a 3.82 ERA and 15 saves. In addition, he has pitched for Boston, Texas, Arizona, Kansas City, Oakland, and Philadelphia.
Jake has demonstrated the ability to get batters out on both sides of the plate and has a proven track record, according to a news release from new Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns. “He gives our bullpen an additional way to get important outs.”
Right-hander Austin Adams was designated for assignment in order to make room on the roster for Diekman.