What should be a months-long bullpen overhaul began on Wednesday for the Mets, who agreed to terms with sidearm left-hander Joe Jacques on a Minor League contract, a source told MLB.com. The deal, which is worth a prorated $800,000 if Jacques makes the Majors, includes a big league camp invite.
The Mets have not confirmed the deal because it’s not yet official.
Jacques, 30, racked up 25 games of Major League experience between the Red Sox and Diamondbacks from 2023-24. He spent this entire season at the Triple-A affiliates of the Dodgers and Mariners, producing a 6.02 ERA but striking out 61 batters over 52 1/3 innings. At his best, Jacques profiles as a potential replacement for Danny Young, another low-slot lefty who underwent Tommy John surgery in May and missed most of 2025.
Jacques is a Red Bank, N.J., native who spent his entire college career at Manhattan University in the Bronx.
Entering next season, the Mets have few surefire relievers on their roster. Edwin Díaz is likely to opt out of his contract next month, joining a free-agent pool that will also include Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, Gregory Soto and Ryne Stanek. Among those fully healthy and still under team control are Brooks Raley and Huascar Brazobán. A.J. Minter is also likely to opt into the final year of his deal.
Beyond those names is a significant hole, which president of baseball operations David Stearns will likely fill with multiple relievers on guaranteed contracts. The team will also collect a slew of optionable relievers like Jacques on Minor League or split deals. Last year, Chris Devenski, Brandon Waddell, Justin Hagenman and Rico Garcia all played significant roles for the Mets after signing similar offseason contracts.