Done deal Mets Shut Down Contract Talks for Free Agent Pitcher With Blazing Fastball. The New York Mets have bolstered their bullpen depth by signing hard-throwing relief pitcher Jose Marte to a two-year minor league contract. The signing, first reported by Robert Murray of FanSided on Twitter/X, was officially confirmed by MLB.com on Tuesday. Marte, who spent last season with the Los Angeles Angels, is looking to revive his career after undergoing shoulder surgery in September.
The 28-year-old right-hander posted an impressive 2.33 ERA in 14 appearances for the Angels in 2023. However, injuries have significantly hindered his career progression. Marte has a career record of 0-1 with a 5.56 ERA across 39 major league appearances, all with the Angels. Before his surgery, he showcased an electric arsenal that included a fastball reaching 99 mph, a sinker topping out at 98 mph, and a changeup sitting at 94 mph. While his pure stuff has been dominant at times, staying healthy has been his biggest challenge.
Marte’s injury struggles date back to 2023 when he missed time due to a stress reaction in his right elbow. His health concerns continued into 2024, culminating in shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the rest of the season. In addition to his arm troubles, he also missed time last season due to a viral infection, adding to his list of setbacks.
Originally scouted and signed by the San Francisco Giants out of the Dominican Republic, Marte began his professional career as a starting pitcher. He climbed as high as advanced Class-A within the Giants’ farm system before being traded to the Angels in July 2021. Marte was part of a deal that sent veteran left-handed pitcher Tony Watson to San Francisco in exchange for three prospects.
After transitioning to a relief role with the Angels, Marte quickly climbed the ranks within their system. He began the 2021 season in Class-A with the Giants and earned a promotion to Double-A before the midseason trade. Following his move to the Angels, Marte made his MLB debut in August 2021, appearing in four games before finishing the year at Triple-A Salt Lake.
With the Mets, Marte now has an opportunity to prove he can stay healthy and contribute at the major league level. If he can regain his velocity and command after surgery, he could become a valuable bullpen piece for New York in the future.
