New York Mets free agent signing Anthony Gose has found a new home, signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks after being quietly released, a move first reported by Jon Heyman. The former outfielder-turned-pitcher had initially signed a minor league contract with the Mets and spent the season diligently working in their Triple-A affiliate until his unexpected release. The exact circumstances surrounding his departure remain unclear, with no information on whether it was due to an opt-out clause or another contractual provision.
Gose had seen limited action at the major league level in recent seasons. His last appearance in 2024 before joining the Mets was with the Cleveland Guardians, where he pitched a mere 4.1 innings and struggled to an alarming 10.38 ERA. The Mets had brought Gose in as a depth option, hoping he could serve as a lefty specialist within the organization, with the expectation that he might see some big-league action during the season.
An unexpected and silent departure
Gose’s move to the Diamondbacks comes across as both surprising and somewhat peculiar. The initial silence surrounding his release from the Mets—no information surfaced until his new signing was announced—raised eyebrows. Even more confusing is the context of his performance during his tenure with the Mets’ Triple-A team.
Despite his past struggles in the majors, Gose had been performing commendably on the mound for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate. He finished his stint with a respectable 4.30 ERA and notched 25 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched. Across the 21 games he played, he showed noticeable improvements, particularly in his hit-to-home run ratios per nine innings compared to previous seasons. His ability to induce ground balls was a notable positive, contributing to his efficiency in the first half of the season.
Considering any special clauses or considerations in Gose’s contract, it’s surprising that he didn’t get a chance to play in MLB, especially given the ongoing need for bullpen depth and effective relief pitching throughout a long season. The importance of resting and utilizing the bullpen effectively is paramount for any contending team. This decision becomes even more puzzling following the announcement of Tylor Megill’s injury, an elbow sprain that landed him on the disabled list and created an immediate need for pitching reinforcements.
While Gose had been efficient for a good portion of the first half of the season, thanks in part to his high-ground ball rate, he had been punished in some of his more recent outings. This late-season dip in performance may have ultimately contributed to him being passed over for a temporary spot in the Mets’ big-league bullpen.
While the Mets’ decision to quietly release Gose remains a point of speculation, his quick signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks suggests that other organizations still see value in his unique skillset as a former outfielder who successfully transitioned to the mound. It will be interesting to see how Gose performs in his new environment and if he can finally secure a more consistent role at the major league level with the Diamondbacks.
