Mets and Brooks Raley Agree to One-Year Deal Pending Physical

FLUSHING, N.Y. — The New York Mets have reached an agreement with left-handed pitcher Brooks Raley on a one-year contract, pending a physical examination. The deal also includes a club option for the 2026 season, according to reports.

Raley, who turns 37 in June, previously played for the Mets last season but had to undergo Tommy John surgery in May, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2024 season and beginning of the 2025 campaign. During recent rehabilitation demonstrations, he showcased his progress by throwing for scouts, which sparked interest from multiple MLB teams.

Doctors believe Raley may start a rehab assignment as early as June, indicating a rapid recovery. Before his injury, Raley was an effective left-handed reliever, posting a 2.80 ERA in 54 2/3 innings for the Mets in 2023. Over his career, he has compiled a 3.42 earned run average with a 29% strikeout rate since the start of the 2020 season.

The Mets currently have an open spot on their 40-man roster, allowing this deal to proceed without any corresponding moves if it becomes a major league contract. Financial details of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.

In a strategic move for the upcoming season, the Mets are looking to benefit from Raley’s potential return to form, which could pay dividends later in the year or lead to extended options in 2026. Given Raley’s past performance and the risks associated with his recovery, reinvesting in him aligns with common practices for teams managing pitcher injuries.