The Mets and Rays made a small trade this morning, as Tampa sent 28 year old right hander Joey Gerber to the Mets for cash considerations. The righty, according to FanGraphs, has a minor league option
as well.
Gerber has had a winding road so far in his career. Originally drafted in the eighth round out of the University of Illinois by the Seattle Mariners in 2018, he debuted with the M’s in 2020, earning a 4.02 ERA in 15.2 innings in the COVID shortened campaign. However, his career hit some speed bumps from there.
He missed all of 2021 with a back injury, which required him to undergo surgery. He missed the start of the 2022 season as well, was released by the Mariners, and signed with the Yankees. He had a strong season in the Yankees minor league system in 2024, when he finally returned to the mound after back and forearm injuries cost him time. He had a 2.43 ERA, 28.2% strikeout rate and 12% walk rate in 33.1 innings across the Complex, Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A that season.
He signed a minor league deal with the Rays prior to the 2025 season and struggled in Triple-A for them, earning a 6.09 ERA in 44.1 innings. He did, however, make it back to the Major Leagues last year, pitching in two games for the Rays.
For the Mets, Gerber provides yet another no-risk lottery ticket to throw at a bullpen that is in flux as we head into the offseason. With the amount of time he has missed due to injury, and the overall solid performances in the minor leagues prior to the 2025 season, it will be slightly interesting if the Mets can turn him into a up-and-down reliever for next season.
