Another free agent pitcher is allegedly off the market.
The New York Mets have been linked to a number of free agents since the 2023 season ended. New York and owner Steve Cohen continue to have the most money, but they haven’t made a big statement this summer.
New York is in a stronger position, but the team has improved without making expensive, flashy signings. The Mets have prioritized guys with upside on cheaper contracts. Brandon Woodruff, a two-time All-Star, appeared as a prospective choice but is no longer accessible.
Woodruff will miss the 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery, and the Milwaukee Brewers declined to tender him earlier this offseason. The righty appeared to be an ideal fit for the Mets because, when healthy, he has enormous upside, but he was expected to sign a low contract due to his injury.
While this is true, New York apparently passed on him, and he will re-sign with the Brewers, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
“Breaking: Brandon Woodruff returns to the Brewers,” Heyman said. “(Two-year) deal.”
Landing Woodruff may have greatly benefited the Mets. He will not throw in 2024, but the Mets are expected to contend in 2025. A fully healthy Woodruff may have provided the Mets with an ace-caliber pitcher at a discount.
Woodruff has a career 3.10 ERA in seven major league seasons, with ERAs under 3.00 in two of the last three.
