MLB Rumors: Mets, Julio Teheran Having ‘Renewed Talks’ After Orioles Contract Opt-Out

zach bacharContributor IApril 1, 2024

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The New York Mets are having “renewed talks” with right-handed pitcher Julio Teheran in free agency, according to SNY’s Andy Martino.

Martino noted that the Mets previously attempted to sign him before the regular season started, although they finished No. 2 to the Baltimore Orioles. However, Teheran opted out of his minor league deal with Baltimore after he failed to make the team’s Opening Day roster.

New York could use some rotation help as starter Kodai Senga is still out with a shoulder injury.

Senga resumed throwing on March 25 after undergoing an MRI, although his exact return date is unknown as he begins to ramp up his activity once again. The team also announced on Monday that starter Tylor Megill was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain.

While Teheran is far removed from his All-Star days, he could help fill out the rotation until the team gets healthier. Injuries forced him to miss most of the 2021 season and he pitched in several independent leagues during the 2022 season.

He made it back to the MLB in 2023, making 11 starts for the Milwaukee Brewers. The results were mixed, as Teheran posted a 4.40 ERA with a record of 3-5. He also accumulated 50 strikeouts in 72.1 innings of work.

The Mets have gotten off to a rough start in 2024, losing each of their first three games. Starting pitching has already become an issue for New York, as free-agent acquisition Luis Severino allowed six earned runs in his first appearance for the team on Saturday.

The Mets currently rank No. 23 among all teams with an ERA of 5.93 among starting pitchers (via MLB.com). While Teheran wouldn’t completely solve the problem, he could help soak up innings before the top of the rotation becomes healthy again.