The New York Mets have officially signed left-handed pitcher Génesis Cabrera to a minor league deal, bolstering their organizational depth as they look to revamp their bullpen ahead of the 2024 season. Cabrera, a talented yet inconsistent reliever, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career and could be a low-risk, high-reward addition for the Mets.
Cabrera, 27, spent parts of five seasons in the major leagues, primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals, before a brief stint with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023. Known for his electric arm, Cabrera features a mid-to-high-90s fastball and a sharp slider, tools that have helped him generate strikeouts at an impressive rate. Over 179 career innings, he has amassed 191 strikeouts, demonstrating his ability to overpower hitters. However, his career 4.38 ERA reflects some of the inconsistency and control issues that have plagued him, with a career walk rate of 4.3 walks per nine innings.
The Mets’ decision to bring Cabrera on board reflects their broader offseason strategy of identifying under-the-radar talent who could make an impact. With a bullpen that struggled in 2023 and featured little depth behind closer Edwin Díaz, the team is prioritizing depth options to avoid over-reliance on its primary relievers. Cabrera’s ability to pitch multiple innings and handle high-leverage situations could make him a valuable asset if he regains his form.
Cabrera’s tenure in St. Louis was marked by ups and downs, including a strong 2021 season where he posted a 3.73 ERA over 70 appearances. However, control problems and a lack of consistent secondary offerings have limited his effectiveness. His stint with Toronto in 2023 was brief but encouraging, as he pitched to a 2.19 ERA over 21 appearances, suggesting that he might be on the verge of turning a corner.
Signing Cabrera to a minor league deal also gives the Mets flexibility. He can start the season in Triple-A Syracuse to refine his mechanics while serving as a depth option in case of injuries or underperformance at the major league level. Furthermore, Cabrera’s left-handedness adds an element of versatility, as the Mets currently lack proven left-handed options in their bullpen.
Overall, this signing aligns with the Mets’ strategy of building a more sustainable roster. If Cabrera can harness his raw talent and improve his command, he has the potential to be a significant contributor for the team in 2024.
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