TODAY: As expected, the Mets have released Diekman, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post (X link).
JULY 29: The Mets announced Monday that they’ve designated left-hander Jake Diekman for assignment and selected the contract of fellow lefty Matt Gage from Triple-A Syracuse to take his spot on the roster.
Diekman, a 37-year-old veteran reliever, joined the Mets on a one-year, $4MM deal back in February. In 32 innings for the Mets, Diekman has punched out nearly 28% of batters faced, though his longstanding control issues persisted. Last year, Diekman benefitted from only 6% of his flyballs leaving the yard, a trend which has reversed in ’24 as he’s seen a whopping 29.2% of flies go for homers. As a result, Diekman has allowed seven home runs already this year – four of which came in his last seven appearances. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza used Diekman in high leverage spots in May and June, but as you’d expect, that’s changed in July.
Diekman’s contract includes a $4MM club option for 2025 that becomes guaranteed with 58 games. The lefty currently has 43 appearances. Though someone might want to pick Diekman up, other teams’ desire to avoid that ’25 vesting option means Diekman will likely be released by the Mets and sign a new deal.
Of late, Mendoza and the Mets have been leaning on Edwin Diaz, Jose Butto, and Dedniel Nuñez in the highest-leverage relief situations. The club picked up righty Ryne Stanek in a trade with the Mariners late last week. Gage will join incumbent lefties Alex Young and Danny Young after posting a 3.42 ERA, 30 K%, and and 12.4 BB% in 26 1/3 innings for the Dodgers’ and Mets’ Triple-A affiliates.
FINALLY! not that he’s much worse then the rest but just seeing him run in from the bullpen made me nauseous
He is much worse than the rest
David – Agreed!
How ironic the guy he got traded for two years ago also got designated yesterday.
I see your Mets Diekman and raise you my Diamondbacks Diekman.
Hopefully the Mets can start migrating away from pitchers that throw hard but have no idea where it’s going or ending up, to pitchers that can control their pitches.
There’s a Fujinami in the loose, for the same reason.
Million dollar arm, 10 cent results.
The Mets are telling Diekman to take a walk, which is too often what umpires have told batters facing Diekman his whole career.
Is the available pen arms situation so crazy that Stearns can deal Diekman and Ottavino for even low level Hail Mary prospects? Doubtful – but maybe
No way on Diekman, doubt it on Ottavino, even though Ottavino has pitched better recently (last 17 appearances, 16 innings, 2.81 ERA, 19 Ks, 3 BB). If you’re too bad to stick around in the 2024 Mets pen, I can’t imagine anyone would be interested.
Gage looks like a possible late bloomer if you look at his numbers. He’s been a lot better since he became a full time reliever and has done OK in the very limited MLB chances he’s gotten.
Stewart and ottavino next. Ty
DJ Stewart was optioned to Syracuse yesterday, no need for DFA
DJ still married to the nurse? If so, he should be happy wherever he ends up. She’s a doll.
Stewart already got optioned to Syracuse when they acquired Winker. He’s gone.
Still no frontline pitching, this guy Gage better be decent or the Twins will light him up. Another excuse not to get decent pitching, shades of Oakland.
Breathe
Dang bro. You want me to go back and find your posts clamoring for Montgomery or snell back in the offseason? Or was it Giolito?
While the Sox are bringing back retreads, might as well come back to the well on Jake, too.
He’s not an upgrade, walks way too many.
If he doesn’t walk someone he starts them 2-0 so he has to groove a fastball to get punished. Dude is awful this year.
He struck out Judge in the 9th to preserve the win over the Yankees. I’ll give him a “good luck in your future endeavors” for that alone.
Gage has looked good in AAA. Worth a shot for sure.
Come on down to the White Sox, Jake! The last two times with them were awful, but this team is trying to lose 120 games and he’s perfect!
Shotgun Gage looked good when the Jays gave him a look.
Take him behind the barn and put him out of his misery
At 37 it’s probably that time for him. I agree
Diekman’s up to nine teams. Nice option for immaculate grid.
What was his ERA? Not mentioned in article. Good release saves a bundle if He plays 12 more games! Who do you guys kick around Now? No Dougie Hauser anymore or this guy! Waiting to hear from you Mets guys!
We Mets guys say, click on his link and you’ll not only see his ERA, but you’ll also see the rest of his horrible numbers
I got no love for pitchers with a bunch of walks. I respect pitchers that may allow a higher batting average against but don’t walk people. You can’t defend against a walk.
The Red Sox need to kick the tires on him. Bernardino has been giving it up lately and a change might help Jake. It wasn’t too bad with the Sox before.
Nah, I’d rather call up a youngin than deal with Diekman, see what we got