Mets Sign Former Braves Reliever to MLB Deal

NASHVILLE - The New York Mets have added a piece to their barren bullpen.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Mets have signed right-handed reliever Michael Tonkin to a major league deal. The contract is for one-year, $1 million, as Mike Puma of The New York Post reported. 

Tonkin pitched for the Atlanta Braves in 2023, posting a 4.28 ERA across 80 innings, striking out 75 batters. The Braves non-tendered him after the season.

Last season was Tonkin's first year back in the big-leagues since 2017. He spent five seasons with the Minnesota Twins from 2013-17, and pitched in the NPB in 2018. From 2019-2022 Tonkin played in the minor leagues for a number of organizations and had two stints with the Long Island Ducks in the Independent League. 

Beyond Edwin Diaz, Brooks Raley, Drew Smith and Austin Adams, Tonkin is only the fifth reliever the Mets have on a major league contract. 

President of baseball operations David Stearns has acknowledged at the winter meetings that the Mets are in need of multiple relievers to fill out their bullpen. Adding Tonkin is a step in the right direction for the team's roster construction in 2024.