Former Chicago Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay has reportedly signed a two-year minor league deal with the New York Mets, according to outlets like SNY. The deal has not yet been officially announced, and Alzolay’s name does not appear in the Mets’ transaction log.
The Cubs designated Alzolay for assignment on November 19, and he became a free agent three days later. The move came with the understanding that Alzolay is unlikely to pitch in 2025 due to Tommy John surgery he underwent in September. The reported two-year deal gives Alzolay the opportunity to continue his rehab within the Mets organization, aiming for a return in the 2026 season.
The surgery marked the end of a two-year struggle with recurring right forearm strains. These issues began in 2023 when Alzolay, serving as the Cubs’ closer, had two stints on the injured list, including time on the 60-day IL. Although he started a rehab assignment in July, pitching for both the ACL Cubs and Triple-A Iowa, he was ultimately shut down for the season.
In 2024, Alzolay posted a 1-4 record with a 4.67 ERA across 18 relief appearances. He managed four saves in nine opportunities, one hold, 13 strikeouts, and six walks over 17.1 innings. His injury woes and inconsistent performance created challenges for the Cubs in the ninth inning throughout much of the season.
Alzolay’s strongest year came in 2023, when he solidified his role as the Cubs’ closer, saving 22 games in 25 opportunities. That season, he appeared in a career-high 58 games, posting a 2-5 record with a 2.67 ERA, 67 strikeouts, and 13 walks.
Originally a starter, Alzolay spent most of 2021 in the Cubs’ rotation, starting 21 of his 29 games. He finished the season 5-13 with a 4.58 ERA, 128 strikeouts, and 34 walks over 125.1 innings. An injury sidelined him for most of 2022, paving the way for his transition to the bullpen.
As spring training approaches, the Cubs lack a clear-cut closer. Porter Hodge, who stepped into the role late last season, saved nine games in 12 chances, posting a 3-1 record with a 1.88 ERA, 52 strikeouts, and 19 walks in 43 innings.
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