New York Mets Claim Pitcher Recovering From Tommy John Surgery

The good news for New York Mets fans is that the team's newest reliever had a 1.29 ERA this past season, and a 2.99 ERA the year before, with an overall WHIP of 0.97.

The bad news is that Penn Murfee is coming off Tommy John surgery in June, and won't be available until at least the second half of the 2024 season. 

Mets have claimed right-hander Penn Murfee off waivers from the Mariners.

The 29-year-old had a 1.29 ERA in 14 big league innings this year as a reliever.

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— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) October 31, 2023

Murfee got into just 14 innings for the Seattle Mariners in 2023, but they were mostly very good innings. In addition to the 1.29 ERA, he struck out 10.3 batters per nine innings (10.3 K/9). His control was a bit of an issue, as he did issue 6.4 walks per nine, though that was not a problem at all in 69 innings of his rookie season in 2022, with only 2.3 BB/9.

Here's more of that good news/bad news thing: Despite the UCL surgery recovery, the good news is that Murfee is under team control through 2028, so if he proves able to come back and help the Mets bullpen, the team has a nice relief option for years to come. 

Bad news: Murfee is entering his age-30 season. 

Overall, it's a low-cost, low-risk gamble for the Mets, with a potential for a nice upside. 

Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports