New York Mets Sign 10-Year Veteran Starting Pitcher
Ureña, 33, posted a 3.80 ERA over 109 innings with the Texas Rangers last season and still features a fastball averaging 96 mph. If he makes the major league roster, his deal will pay him $2 million with up to $750,000 in incentives.
With Sean Manaea sidelined until mid-April due to an oblique strain and Frankie Montas out until at least June with a lat injury, the Mets were in search of an experienced arm. “He’s a veteran who can give us innings if needed,” a team source said.
The Mets have signed José Ureña to a minor league deal, per @timbhealey
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 27, 2025
Ureña, a 10-year veteran, had a 3.80 ERA for the Rangers last season with 24 of his 33 appearances coming out of the bullpen pic.twitter.com/8nK4CRvD1T
Ureña will compete for a rotation spot alongside Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Paul Blackburn, Griffin Canning, and Tylor Megill.
His addition gives the Mets insurance in case further injuries arise, though some fans were hoping for a reunion with José Quintana. The team, however, appears more focused on internal depth, with Justin Hagenman, Brandon Waddell, and prospects Blade Tidwell and Brandon Sproat also in the mix.
“This isn’t the move we needed,” one fan wrote on social media, voicing frustration over the Mets’ reluctance to pursue bigger names.
#Mets newest pitcher Jose Urena likes to spit up into the air when he’s on the mound
— Tyler (@WardyNYM) February 27, 2025
Yes, it’s very Triple H-like for all my wrestling fans out there
Already a big Jose Urena guy over here pic.twitter.com/GuhzCHON9A
Beyond his potential role on the mound, Ureña’s past adds an interesting element to the Mets’ rivalry with the Atlanta Braves. In 2018, he hit Ronald Acuña Jr. with the first pitch of a game, sparking a benches-clearing incident and a suspension.
If he makes the roster and is still around when the Mets face the Braves on June 17, it could reignite old tensions.
Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
