The New York Mets made a subtle but telling roster move this week. They designated left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady for assignment after acquiring utility player Vidal Bruján from the Minnesota Twins.
Mets Shuffle Roster Following Vidal Bruján Acquisition
Roster maneuvering is just part of the game now, especially during the offseason and early spring. The Mets needed 40-man roster space after bringing in Bruján, a versatile switch-hitter who can play all over the field.
This kind of move rarely makes headlines, but it shows the front office is trying to squeeze value from every spot, not just the big names.
Why Richard Lovelady Was the Odd Man Out
Lovelady signed a split contract with the Mets in the offseason. His deal pays $1 million at the major-league level and $350,000 in the minors, but here’s the rub: he’s out of minor-league options.
That lack of flexibility left him exposed. Any demotion means waivers, so when the Mets needed space, he ended up designated.
Understanding Lovelady’s Contract and Options
If Lovelady clears waivers, the Mets can outright him to Triple-A. Sure, he could elect free agency, but he’d have to walk away from his guaranteed major-league salary.
That money is tough to leave on the table. Unless another team swoops in, he’ll probably stick around as depth.
A Contract Designed for Organizational Depth
The way Lovelady’s contract is set up, both sides probably saw this coming. The Mets wanted insurance, not a guaranteed bullpen spot, and Lovelady got some security plus a seat on the 40-man—at least for a bit.
Performance Tells a Mixed Story
Lovelady struggled to find consistency in the majors in 2024. Between the Mets and Blue Jays, he pitched in 10 games, threw 11 2/3 innings, and allowed 11 earned runs.
His raw stuff showed flashes, but command issues kept biting him.
Big-League Struggles vs. Triple-A Success
Last season, Lovelady struck out 12 but handed out 10 free passes—six walks and four hit batters. His career ERA sits at 5.35 across 111 innings, which pretty much says it all.
In Triple-A, though, he looked like a different pitcher. Over 38 innings, he posted a 1.66 ERA and struck out 26.3% of hitters. That’s likely why the Mets still see value in keeping him around for depth.
What This Means for the Mets’ Bullpen
With Lovelady designated, the Mets’ left-handed relief situation is coming into focus as Opening Day approaches. Manager Carlos Mendoza will probably lean on proven arms instead of rolling the dice on depth pieces.
Southpaw Roles Taking Shape
Barring injuries or something unexpected, the Mets’ main left-handed relievers will be:
Both bring reliability and postseason experience. That gives the Mets a little more breathing room in those tense, late-game moments.
A Calculated Move, Not a Final Goodbye
This decision feels more like smart roster management than a sign the Mets have lost faith in Lovelady.
The team wants to address immediate major-league needs, but they’re also trying to hang onto pitching depth at Triple-A.
If Lovelady clears waivers, he’s still just a call away. These days, depth arms matter almost as much as the guys who make the Opening Day roster.
Here is the source article for this story: Mets Designate Richard Lovelady For Assignment
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s