Mets Exercise Raley’s Option, Sign Waddell

The Mets have officially announced a slew of roster moves, making decisions on multiple club options.

The club exercised their $4.75 million club option on southpaw Brooks Raley. Raley, 37, had a strong bounce-back campaign in 2025 following his recovery from Tommy John surgery. He posted a 2.45 ERA over 25 2/3 innings, proving particularly dominant against left-handed hitters, who slashed a minuscule .103/.212/.138 against him.

Conversely, the Mets declined their $2 million club option on 32-year-old righty Drew Smith. Smith missed the entire 2025 season rehabbing after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in July 2024. The move makes him a free agent as he continues his recovery. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com notes that he’ll likely return to the mound in 2026.

The announcement also confirmed the already-known decision of star players Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz, who will decline their player options and become free agents. A.J. Minter exercised his option after an injury-plagued year, while Frankie Montas officially opted in after his disappointing 2025 season. He’ll miss all of 2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Mets Acquire Joey Gerber

In a move for organizational depth, the Mets traded cash considerations to the Tampa Bay Rays for right-hander Joey Gerber. Gerber, recently designated for assignment, made two appearances for the Rays in 2025 (2.08 ERA in 4 1/3 innings). His high-strikeout potential is an interest point. Gerber registered 54 strikeouts across 43 1/3 innings at Triple-A Durham despite a 6.23 ERA. He does, however, come with an injury history, including a Tommy John surgery back in 2022.

Brandon Waddell Returns

Brandon Waddell, one of the shuttle arms the Mets used this season when they needed to eat innings from the bullpen, returns to the team on a major league contract. After three seasons in KBO, Waddell returned stateside with the Mets. He pitched to a 3.45 ERA in 31 1/3 innings in the bigs. Only one of his appearances came in a win. He remained stretched out as a starter in the minors, starting 15 games in Triple-A.

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