Mets sign Bundy to minor-league contract
The New York Mets added some experienced depth to their organization by signing right-hander Dylan Bundy to a minor-league contract, the team announced, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
Bundy arrived at Mets camp on Saturday, shortly after the deal became official.
"I'm excited. It was a long offseason, and happy I found a home," Bundy told reporters, per SNY.
The 30-year-old pitched for the Minnesota Twins in 2022, where he put up a 4.89 ERA, 4.66 FIP, and 1.28 WHIP with 94 strikeouts and 28 walks across 29 starts. Although he lowered his ERA by more than a full run compared to 2021, Bundy had trouble missing bats, posting a career-low 6.0 K/9 rate while allowing 24 home runs. Minnesota declined to exercise its $11-million club option on his contract following the season.
A former first-round pick (fourth overall) of the Baltimore Orioles in 2011, Bundy owns a lifetime 54-65 record with a 4.74 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 852 strikeouts across parts of eight big-league seasons with three teams. His best season came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, when he finished ninth in AL Cy Young voting.
Bundy, who will presumably start his 2023 season at Triple-A Syracuse, will provide the Mets with some much-needed rotation depth. New York began searching for extra arms after left-hander Jose Quintana underwent bone graft surgery on a rib, a procedure that will sideline him until at least July. One of David Peterson or Tylor Megill is expected to begin the season in Quintana's rotation spot.
Other pitchers besides Bundy who are options to start for the Mets at some point in 2023 include righties Elieser Hernandez and Jose Butto, and southpaw Joey Lucchesi.