SAN DIEGO — The Mets promised to remain active in the starting pitching market and they made good on their promise Wednesday morning, agreeing with veteran left-hander Jose Quintana on a two-year, $26 million contract, pending a physical.
They also added left-hander reliever Brooks Raley in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, bringing in a more established reliever to go with a group of young, optionable bullpen arms. Keyshawn Askew, a left-hander drafted by the Mets in the 10th round of the 2021 draft, went to Tampa Bay in the deal.
These moves came two days after the Mets came to terms with veteran ace Justin Verlander. The club may not be done and could also end up signing Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga. General manager Billy Eppler talked earlier in the week about the need for starting pitching depth over a full season and the Mets now have seven starters to use throughout the season, though it’s possible three of the back-end starters end up in the bullpen.
