REPORT: Well-Traveled Pitcher Signs Minor League Deal With New York Mets, Joins Club at Spring Training

Jose Urena posted solid numbers in the bullpen last season with the Texas Rangers, his sixth MLB team.
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jose Urena (54) pitches against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston on Aug 13, 2024.
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jose Urena (54) pitches against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston on Aug 13, 2024. / Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The New York Mets had a new face in the clubhouse at spring training Thursday morning: veteran right-hander Jose Urena.

Tim Healey of Newsday reported that Urena said he signed a minor league deal with the club.

The Mets have made no secret of their World Series aspirations, and a veteran like Urena could provide some experience and depth to help get New York through the inevitable injuries that occur in a long season.

Already, the Mets are set to start the season without starters Sean Manaea (oblique strain) and Frankie Montas (lat strain), both out due to injuries.

Urena, 33, made his major league debut 10 years ago – April 14, 2015 – for the Miami Marlins., the first of his six career stops. In six seasons with the Marlins, Urena was 32-46 with a .4.60 ERA in 142 appearances (98 starts) from 2015-20.

Since then, he’s had stints with the Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers.

With the Rangers in 2024, Urena finished 5-8 with a 3.80 ERA in 33 appearances (nine starts). Never known as a strikeout pitcher, he registered 70 Ks in 109 innings.

He was far more effective as a reliever than as a starter in 2024. Coming out of the bullpen, Urena was 3-2 with a 2.92 ERA and a save in 24 outings. As a starter, he had a 2-6 record and 5.08 ERA.

Urena gave up eight home runs in 44.1 innings as a starter and just five in 64.2 innings of relief.

Depth at pitching is always a good thing, and the Mets will need it over what they hope is a long postseason run. This is Urena’s chance to take advantage of the opportunity.

Related Posts

Warriors Provide Update on Brandin Podziemski’s Injury Recovery

The Warriors provided an update on Brandin Podziemski’s injury timeline after he underwent surgery to fix a core muscle injury

Kodai Senga injures hamstring, headed to IL after coming down with errant Pete Alonso throw

Mets ace Kodai Senga crumpled to the grass after taking an errant throw from Pete Alonso and securing an out at first base in the sixth inning of Thursday’s game against the Nationals at Citi Field.

Mets’ Brandon Nimmo finding groove batting in front of Juan Soto, Pete Alonso: ‘It’s been really nice’

After a slow start, Brandon Nimmo has found his footing hitting out of the second spot in the Mets’ order.

Mets to call up Max Kranick

Kranick will take Kodai Senga’s spot on the active roster for now.

Mets prospect Jett Williams hits two triples with Binghamton, Brandon Sproat a tough-luck loser for Syracuse

Mets top prospect Jett Williams continues to rake in Double-A, going 3-for-5 with two triples, while Brandon Sproat was solid with Triple-A Syracuse.

Yankees captain gets first day off of the season; dynamic infielder not in the lineup for finale

Aaron Judge gets his first day off of the season as the Yankees eye a sweep over the Royals. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells are also out of the lineup