It's not as uncommon as one might think for teams to sign players who are injured, often opting to secure their services in advance despite the lengthy recovery periods ahead. A recent example includes the New York Mets' decision to invest in Drew Smith during his rehabilitation process, only to part ways with him at the season's conclusion. Similarly, they took a gamble on Adbert Alzolay, planning to utilize him as a bullpen option for the upcoming season.
The Mets may have additional players in their ranks who fit this category. Despite being aware that Tylor Megill and Reed Garrett are unlikely to pitch in 2026 unless some miraculous recovery occurs, the Mets still tendered contracts to both. This approach could either be perceived as a wasteful expenditure or a strategic move toward developing a more robust pitching staff for the future.
As the year came to a close, the Toronto Blue Jays made a noteworthy acquisition by signing rookie Nic Enright to a two-year minor league contract. Enright is expected to miss the entire 2026 season following Tommy John surgery, a decision reflective of strategies employed by David Stearns, reminiscent of the contract given to Alzolay the previous offseason.
Enright could have been a savvy addition for the Mets looking ahead to 2027. Last season, he showcased impressive performance with a 2.03 ERA over 31 innings during his rookie campaign with the Cleveland Guardians. The 28-year-old right-hander has also spent considerable time in Triple-A, amassing 222.1 innings with a respectable 3.27 ERA and an impressive strikeout rate of 11.3 K/9. Given his capabilities, it's clear that the Guardians would have likely retained him had he maintained his health. With two remaining minor league options, Enright's potential contribution in the future would have made him an even more appealing prospect for the Mets.
In contrast, the Mets face limitations with Alzolay, as he has exhausted his minor league options. This factor could lead them to consider holding him back at the start of the season, depending on how their bullpen reshaping progresses. If they begin the season with Alzolay and find he isn't quite prepared, their only recourse would be to place him on the injured list, whether justified or not.
While it’s easy to express frustration over Enright's decision to join the Blue Jays, there's no need for outrage. The Mets might have made him an offer, but perhaps they were deterred by concerns over his low ground ball rate, elevated fly ball rate, and fastball velocity that ranks in the 31st percentile.
Credit is due to the Mets for their proactive approach this offseason, testing various options to enhance their roster. They've scoured the Winter Leagues and taken calculated risks on several veteran relievers. Enright is just one player who slipped through their fingers, and it will be interesting to monitor his progress from a distance, wondering if his absence will be felt in 2027.
