After being DFA’d by the Blue Jays, Julian Merryweather was claimed by the Chicago Cubs and found a bit of a resurgence in 2023. He posted a solid 3.38 ERA over 69 appearances (72 innings), striking out 98 and walking 30. However, his momentum was halted again this year after a rib stress fracture landed him on the 60-day IL in early April.
The Mets are taking a low-risk flier here, hoping Merryweather can get healthy and rediscover the late-inning potential he flashed in Chicago. Given the current instability in New York’s bullpen, it’s a smart depth move that could quietly pay off if he regains form.
Yeah, that knee injury really derailed Merryweather’s promising momentum from 2023. The stark drop in strikeout rate—from 32.3% to 18.9%—is a red flag for a reliever who thrived on missing bats. Plus, the 6.60 ERA shows he struggled to find his form post-injury.
The Mets signing him to a minor league deal feels like a classic bounce-back attempt—low risk, high reward if he can regain that swing-and-miss ability. If Merryweather can get healthy and recapture even a portion of his 2023 stuff, he could become a valuable depth piece or even reclaim a late-inning role.
It’s a tough road back, but sometimes guys like him find new life with a change of scenery and a fresh start. Want me to track his rehab progress and minor league outings?
Yeah, that decline in velocity and effectiveness has definitely been a problem for Merryweather. Losing those two ticks on his fastball can make a huge difference, especially for a reliever who relies on deception and strikeouts. The fact that his strikeout rate dropped to a career low and his walk rate ballooned shows the control and stuff issues he’s battling.
Chicago cutting him loose to chase more stable bullpen options makes sense, especially when teams need dependable late-inning arms. But the Mets picking him up is a savvy, low-risk move. If they can help Merryweather get back to something close to his 2023 form, he could be a valuable depth piece or insurance for the bullpen down the stretch.
Working at Triple-A Syracuse gives him time to work on mechanics and regain confidence without immediate pressure. Plus, being around a competitive team with a strong bullpen group might help him rediscover that killer instinct.
Do you think the Mets could realistically see Merryweather contributing meaningful innings this season, or is it more of a “wait and see” gamble?
