The Mets’ Trend of Signing Former Yankees: A Look at Recent Acquisitions
The New York Mets have recently made headlines by signing multiple former Yankees players, most notably with the addition of reliever Devin Williams on a three-year, $51 million contract. This marks a continuation of a trend where the Mets have strategically brought in notable talent from their crosstown rivals, particularly since owner Steve Cohen took the reins in 2021.
Key Acquisitions from the Yankees
In the past five years, several prominent names have transitioned from the Bronx to Queens. Below is a detailed overview of these players and their impact:
1. Juan Soto (2025)
- Contract: Record-setting 15-year deal worth over $800 million.
- Significance: The Mets’ fierce competition with the Yankees to secure Soto marks a significant victory for the franchise, showcasing their ambition and financial muscle.
2. Clay Holmes (2025)
- Transition: Became a starting pitcher after a stint as the Yankees’ closer.
- Performance: Posted a solid 3.53 ERA in 33 games, adapting well in his new role, though he faced challenges with stamina as the season progressed.
3. Frankie Montas (2025)
- Background: Acquired by the Yankees in 2022, Montas struggled in New York, leading to a move to the Mets.
- Challenges: Ended his Mets tenure with a 6.28 ERA and was released after requiring season-ending surgery.
4. Carlos Mendoza (2024)
- Role: Former bench coach for the Yankees, Mendoza was appointed as the Mets’ manager.
- Experience: He brings significant knowledge from his six years on the Yankees’ staff, making him an influential figure in the Mets’ strategy moving forward.
5. Luis Severino (2024)
- Journey: After an underwhelming end to his Yankees career, Severino signed a one-year deal with the Mets.
- Revival: Achieved a 3.91 ERA over 31 starts, ultimately leading to a lucrative three-year, $67 million contract with the Athletics.
6. Harrison Bader (2024)
- Acquisition: Bader brought excitement during his time with the Yankees but faced injury challenges.
- Performance: While he started strong with the Mets, he struggled to maintain his role in the lineup.
7. Luis Torrens (2024)
- Background: Initially signed by the Yankees, Torrens saw limited playtime before moving to the Mets.
- Impact: He has proven valuable as a backup catcher and an exceptional asset in controlling enemy base stealers.
8. David Robertson (2023)
- Career Path: Robertson was a formidable reliever for the Yankees before briefly joining the Mets, where he excelled enough to be traded for prospects.
9. Gary Sanchez (2023)
- Brief Stint: Although he played only three games with the Mets, Sanchez’s tenure symbolizes the ongoing player relationships between the two franchises.
10. Buck Showalter (2022)
- Historical Perspective: Former Yankees manager, Showalter led the Mets to the playoffs in 2022 before facing challenges that culminated in his dismissal after a tough 2023 season.
11. Billy Eppler (2022)
- Role as GM: Eppler’s background with the Yankees helped inform his decisions while leading the Mets, although his tenure ended after two years amidst controversy.
12. Adam Ottavino (2022)
- Return to Form: After a successful run with the Yankees, Ottavino joined the Mets and had a standout first season before returning to the Yankees for a brief period.
Honorable Mentions
- Robinson Cano (2019): Although not part of Steve Cohen’s era, Cano’s earlier switch from the Mariners to the Mets, after being signed by the Yankees, remains a significant note in this ongoing narrative.
Conclusion
The Mets’ strategy of acquiring former Yankees highlights a unique dynamic within New York baseball. As they continue to build their roster with experienced players from their rivals, it will be interesting to see how these transitions shape the future of both franchises. For fans and analysts alike, the relationship between the Mets and Yankees will undoubtedly be a focal point throughout the upcoming seasons.
Explore More
This exploration of player movements reinforces the competitive essence of New York baseball while illustrating the intricate decisions sports teams make regarding roster management. Whether these moves will bolster the Mets’ status in Major League Baseball remains to be seen, but the trend of signing former Yankees certainly adds an intriguing twist to the ongoing rivalry.
