After six years with the Chicago Cubs, reliever Adbert Alzolay has signed a two-year minor league deal with the New York Mets, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. The 29-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in August and will likely miss the entire 2025 season. He was designated for assignment and non-tendered in November after six seasons with the Cubs.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73866783/2152910718.0.jpg)
The Mets and RHP Adbert Alzolay agreed to a minors deal, league sources told The Athletic. It’s a two-year deal; Alzolay had Tommy John surgery last year.
Mets Sign Adbert Alzolay to Minor League Deal
Originally signed as an international free agent in 2013, Alzolay emerged as a versatile arm for the Cubs, capable of pitching both as a starter and a reliever. He moved to the bullpen full-time in 2022 and owns a career 25.7% strikeout rate with a sub-8% walk rate.
Known for his sharp slider, a deceptive sinker, and a knack for generating swings and misses, Alzolay took over as the Cubs closer in 2023. The Venezuelan-born right-hander posted a career-best 2.67 ERA with 22 saves and 67 strikeouts over 58 outings. He remained the Cubs closer to begin the 2024 season before an elbow injury forced him out of the high-leverage role. Alzolay was placed on the injured list in May before undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery in August. He finished the season with a 4.67 ERA, 13 strikeouts, and four saves in 18 appearances.
While Alzolay, who turns 30 in March, is unlikely to pitch next season, his service time clock will not move. Since the deal is a minor league contract he will only accrue service time while on the major league roster. Alzolay is signed through 2026, but the Mets could retain him through arbitration for the 2027 season. Even when he returns, though, Alzolay is unlikely to take on the closer role for the Mets. Edwin Díaz remains under contract through 2027. With a strong start to 2026, though, the righty could find himself pitching high-leverage innings for the Mets.
