Mets sign Hector Santiago to a minor league contract

The New York Mets have signed free agent pitcher Hector Santiago to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The 31-year-old southpaw primarily pitched out of the bullpen last year for the Chicago White Sox, but also has 137 starts under his belt in his career.

Santiago posted a 4.50 ERA, a 5.09 FIP, and a 1.59 WHIP in 102 innings last season, which resulted in a 0.5 bWAR. He fared better overall in his 42 reliever appearances, where he posted a 3.87 ERA in 74.1 innings, as opposed to the 6.12 ERA he put up in seven starts.

The best stretch of his career came between 2013 and 2015, when he posted ERAs of 3.56, 3.75, and 3.59 while pitching for the White Sox and the Los Angeles Angels. During that time, he made 79 starts and 18 relief appearances. He was named to the 2015 American League All Star team as a member of the Angels.

The Mets have announced a number of minor league signings over the course of the offseason to address their lack of depth. Earlier this week, the team added pitcher Arquimedes Caminero and outfielder Rymer Liriano on minor league contracts and invited them to spring training. The club will also take a look at pitcher Ryan O’Rourke, outfielders Rajai Davis and Gregor Blanco, and infielder Dilson Herrera during the spring.