What's Happening?
Reed Garrett, a pitcher for the New York Mets, has undergone Tommy John surgery, which will sideline him for the entire 2026 season. Garrett's surgery comes after a series of right elbow issues that began with inflammation diagnosed in August. Despite a brief return to play in September, renewed discomfort led to further medical evaluation, revealing a sprain that necessitated UCL reconstruction. Garrett is the fifth Mets pitcher to undergo this surgery in the current year, joining others like Danny Young and Frankie Montas. Garrett's performance over the last two seasons includes a 3.83 ERA, and he is expected to be eligible for arbitration as a Super Two player, prompting financial decisions for the Mets.
Why It's Important?
Garrett's absence will significantly impact the Mets' bullpen strategy for the upcoming season. With several key players, including closer Edwin Díaz, potentially entering free agency, the team faces a challenging offseason in restructuring its pitching lineup. Garrett's surgery highlights the ongoing injury struggles within the Mets' roster, which could influence their competitiveness in the league. The financial implications of Garrett's arbitration eligibility add another layer of complexity to the Mets' decision-making process, as they balance player retention with budget constraints.
What's Next?
The Mets will need to explore options to fill the void left by Garrett and other potential free agents. This may involve pursuing trades, free-agent signings, or promoting younger, less experienced pitchers from within their system. The team's management will also need to make strategic financial decisions regarding Garrett's arbitration status and the contracts of other players. The outcome of these decisions will shape the Mets' roster and their prospects for the 2026 season.
