In a shrewd move that reverberates through the corridors of Flushing, the Mets have bolstered their pitching arsenal by formally securing the contract of the seasoned right-hander Dylan Covey. At the age of 33, Covey steps into the fray with a one-year major league agreement, ready to carve out his niche within the team.
A journeyman of the sport, Covey’s career has been a mosaic of experiences across five major league seasons, including tenures with the White Sox, Red Sox, Dodgers, and most recently, the Phillies organization. His versatile role, oscillating between starter and reliever, is underscored by his 100 appearances—46 of which were starts—yielding a career ERA of 6.18 alongside a modest strikeout rate of 6.3 per nine innings.
However, the past season has been a shadowy chapter for Covey, as he found himself sidelined, grappling with recovery from a right shoulder strain that kept him away from the big league spotlight. Yet, amidst the challenges, he thrived in the minor leagues, showcasing his resilience with a commendable 2.66 ERA over 18 appearances, striking out 19 batters while issuing just nine walks across 20.1 innings.
Initially drafted in the fourth round by the Oakland A’s back in 2013, Covey now eyes the possibility of carving out a significant role in the Mets bullpen. His arrival is particularly timely, as the team faces the impending free agency of key players such as Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino, accentuating the critical nature of this strategic acquisition. The stage is set for Covey to not only compete but potentially flourish within the vibrant tapestry of Mets’ pitching dynamics.
