The New York Mets have secured a major league contract with left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady, as reported by Robert Murray. Lovelady recently opted out of a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins, where he had been enjoying success.
Throughout his career, Lovelady has made appearances in six major league seasons, amassing 101 innings with teams such as the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays. Despite a somewhat concerning 5.26 earned run average (ERA), Lovelady’s rate stats are more promising, with a strikeout rate of 21.2% and a ground ball rate of 50.2%. His struggles primarily stem from his inability to efficiently strand base runners, reflected in a 65% strand rate, significantly below the league average.
At 29 years old, Lovelady is coming off an impressive run in Triple-A with the Twins, where he posted a remarkable 1.31 ERA over 20 2/3 innings, coupled with a 26.5% strikeout rate. His ability to keep hitters off balance, despite averaging a moderate 91.7 mph on his fastball, has contributed to a solid career ERA of 2.67 in Triple-A, indicating that he can perform effectively at high levels.
The Mets, currently facing challenges in their bullpen after losing southpaws A.J. Minter and Danny Young to season-ending surgeries, are looking to Lovelady to fill this gap. He will join José Castillo as one of the few left-handed options available. If Lovelady can make a strong impression, he may secure a longer stay with the team, as he can be retained through arbitration for three additional seasons. However, he is out of minor league options, which presents a challenge for his continued presence on the roster.
Overall, Lovelady’s potential and past success in the minor leagues could provide the Mets with a valuable asset as they aim to strengthen their bullpen and make a push in the remainder of the season. This acquisition may serve as an opportunity for Lovelady to revitalize his major league career.