Mets sign journeyman reliever to minor league contract

On Wednesday, the New York Mets added another experienced relief option, signing right-hander Chris Devenski to a minor league contract. Devenski has been assigned to Triple-A Syracuse after becoming a free agent following his outright release by the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to MLB.com’s transactions tracker.

The 35-year-old reliever is returning to the Mets after finishing with a 2.16 ERA across 16 2/3 innings for New York last year. His latest run with Pittsburgh ended after an undisclosed illness kept him out for around three months. Once he was ready to return, the Pirates designated him for assignment rather than reinstating him.

Devenski has spent the past several seasons moving between organizations. Since the beginning of 2022, he has pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, Mets and Pirates. During that strech, he has recorded a 5.35 ERA, a 21.6% strikeout rate and a 7.1% walk rate over 102 2/3 innings.

New York’s decision to bring Devenski back comes after major changes to their bullpen. The Mets traded Brooks Raley, AJ Minter, Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazobán at the deadline, leaving Devin Williams as the primary proven arm mentioned among the remaining relievers. The current bullpen also has no pitcher with four years of major league service time.

With Devenski starting at Syracuse, the move gives New York organizational depth. If the Mets need another reliever later in the season, his experience and previous performance with the team could make him a candidate for a call-up.

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