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 was non-tendered by the Milwaukee Brewers earlier in the offseason. The righty seemed like a perfect option for the Mets because when he’s healthy, he has immense upside but was expecting to land a cheap deal because of his injury. While this is the case, New York reportedly missed out on him and he will be re-signing with the Brewers, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
“Breaking: Brandon Woodruff back to Brewers,” Heyman said. “(Two-year) deal.” Landing Woodruff could’ve gone a long way for the Mets. He won’t pitch in 2024, but the Mets are more likely to contend in 2025, anyway. A fully healthy Woodruff could’ve given the Mets 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.
