The New York Mets are starting to heat up this offseason, as there’s been no shortage of Mets news over the past week. Amid the Cody Bellinger signing with the New York Yankees news, the New York Mets made an under-the-radar move to sign former Dodgers pitcher and 13-year MLB veteran Luis Garcia to a one-year contract, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The deal is pending a physical and is a one-year deal worth $1.75 MM, but the contract has the chance to reach $3 million.
Garcia turns 39 next week and has pitched for eight MLB organizations over this 13-year career. He will likely fight for a middle-relief role with the Mets, as the team starts to finalize its 2026 roster ahead of Spring Training.
More MLB on Heavy: Three Free Agents the Mets Should Sign After Cody Bellinger Decision & Luis Robert Jr. Trade
Mets to Sign Luis Garcia
Luis Garcia carries a lifetime 4.07 ERA over 603 total appearances and 583.1 innings pitched. He came up with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2013 and spent five seasons in Philly. Since 2019, Garcia has pitched for seven organizations and been a bit of a journeyman.
In 2025, he posted a 3.42 ERA over 55.1 innings with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Angels. Garcia spent the most time in 2025 with the Dodgers, but he performed the best with the Angels. Over 18 innings with LAA last season, Garcia gave up just four earned runs.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MAY 04: Luis Garcia #57 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 04, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The one thing about Luis Garcia’s game, at least in 2025, was that he issued a lot of walks. In those 55.1 total innings pitched last season, he walked 26 batters.
More MLB on Heavy: Mets-Pirates Trade Idea Sends $77 Million All-Star Starter to Queens for Top Prospect
What’s Next For Mets This Offseason?
This is a small move for the New York Mets, but it could pay dividends if Luis Garcia stays with the Mets organization, which would mean he’s been a valuable asset.
As for what’s next for the New York Mets, missing out on Cody Bellinger isn’t the best news, but there are still a lot of chances for New York to make other impactful moves before Spring Training opens up.
The team’s top need remains a starting pitcher, and some options on the market include Chris Bassitt, Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, and Zack Littell.
The trade for centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. is also a sneaky good trade for the Mets, who desperately needed an outfielder. However, New York could add another outfielder like Harrison Bader or Austin Hays to round out the left field position.
More MLB on Heavy: Carlos Beltran Elected to National Baseball Hall Of Fame
Mets Sign Former Dodgers Pitcher, 13-Year MLB Veteran to One-Year Pact