New York Mets Sign Justin Hagenman Amid Pitching Roster Changes

The New York Mets have signed Justin Hagenman to a major league contract, marking the right-handed pitcher’s first entry onto a major league roster. This announcement comes as a result of Hagenman electing minor league free agency earlier this month. Following the signing, the Mets’ 40-man roster now stands at 34 players.

Justin Hagenman, 28, was initially drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018 before moving to the Boston Red Sox as a part of the trade that sent a player to Los Angeles, whose name was not specified in recent reports. Despite spending considerable time with the Red Sox he was never added to their roster, thus allowing him to qualify for minor league free agency after 2024, having accumulated seven seasons in the minors.

During the past four seasons, Hagenman has pitched 302 and two-thirds innings in the minor leagues, maintaining an earned run average (ERA) of 4.19, with a 25.7% strikeout rate and a 7.5% walk rate. His recent role has shifted from predominantly a reliever to a swingman in 2024, where his statistics remained relatively unchanged. This past season, he pitched 91 and two-thirds innings at the Triple-A level in Worcester, posting an ERA of 4.91, a 24.5% strikeout rate, and a 7.8% walk rate. Home runs appeared to be a particular challenge, with Hagenman allowing 21 home runs, at a rate of 21.4% per flyball.

The Mets, facing vacancies in their pitching lineup, view Hagenman as a valuable addition, providing depth to both the rotation and bullpen. Notably, several pitchers, including notable names, became free agents at the end of the 2024 season, leaving openings the team aims to fill. Hagenman, without previous major league service time, presents flexibility with a full slate of minor league options available.