The New York Mets have signed veteran right-handed reliever Chris Devenski to a minor-league deal. The 33-year-old carries nine years of MLB experience, having also played for the Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, and Tampa Bay Rays. Devenski won a World Series title with the Astros in 2017.
Sources: the Mets are in agreement on a minor league deal for pitcher Chris Devenski (with a camp invite).
The veteran right-hander and World Series champ recently became a free agent. He ended the season with a 2.35 ERA over 23 appearances for Seattle’s Triple-A affiliate.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) October 28, 2024
Veteran Reliever Chris Devenski Signs Minor League Deal With Mets
What Devenski Has to Offer
Also known as ‘Devo,’ the vet showcased his true potential back when he played for the Astros. In addition to being a World Series champ in 2017, he also earned his first All-Star selection. In 2016, he also finished fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting. But pitching with the Rays didn’t lead to the same success. Devo signed an MLB deal with the Rays on August 29th, 2023. This season, he struggled early on while also experiencing right knee tendinitis and landing on the 15-day injury list on April 29th.
His most effective pitch is the changeup, which he’s had the most success with producing whiffs. He has also shown a strong fastball while also experimenting with his cutter and sweeper. The changeup has been used the most (47.5% in 2024). In 2023, his changeup was effective with 250 whiffs. In his career, Devenski has sported a career 3.98 ERA. He pitched 19 games out of the bullpen for the Rays in 2024 with a 6.75 ERA. But with a new contending team, Devenski could be reshaped and molded into his old form. The 33-year-old had a more impressive ERA of 3.10 across 26 Triple-A appearances in 2024.
Devenski Deserves Another Chance
Devenski finished off this season with Seattle’s Triple-A affiliate team, the Tacoma Rainiers, with a 2.35 ERA across 23 appearances. Despite the struggles he faced in the majors this year, his time spent in Triple-A has permitted him to work on his pitching. He has taken the time to work on his fastball location in an attempt to return to his previous success. Devenski has also been known to be a strong middle reliever and set-up man when he’s pitched well. Devenski will provide depth, which is never a negative, and his signing, at least on paper, should be an under-the-radar addition to the Mets.
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