David Aardsma Signs With New York Mets

David Aardsma hasn’t seen much action in the Major Leagues over the past two seasons thanks to injury, but could find his way into the Mets bullpen in the coming weeks after joining the team on a minor league deal today. (Image Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports)

David Aardsma didn’t have to wait long once he hit the open market last Thursday, as the 31 year old has agreed to a deal to join the New York Mets according to a team release. Aardsma will report to the team’s Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas.

Having joined the Miami Marlins on a minor league deal in the offseason, Aardsma had been pitching well at Triple-A. In 14.0 IP across 10 appearances he’d posted a 2.57 ERA and 1.214 WHIP. Most importantly he seemed to be healthy again, having missed most of the past two seasons to injury. With it looking increasingly less likely that he’d be called up to the Marlins bullpen, Aardsma exercised an opt-out clause in his contract last week that permitted him to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Reports surfaced quickly that the Hanshin Tigers had expressed some interest in bringing Aardsma to Japan, but it seemed inevitable that he’d find an opportunity somewhere here given the volatility of relievers across baseball. The Mets will give him that opportunity and if he can continue to throw well in the minor leagues then chances are high that he could make his way into the team’s bullpen mix before long. Beyond Bobby Parnell the team hasn’t seen the production from their bullpen that they were hoping for heading into the season and reinforcements will be welcomed.