Mets sign reliever Sean Burnett to minor league deal

The New York Mets have signed reliever Sean Burnett to a minor league deal, according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post. While the Mets have not extended a spring training invitation to Burnett as part of the agreement, Davidoff notes that he will probably “pitch in some big-league games”.

Burnett was a first round pick in the 2000 MLB Draft and began his career for the Pittsburgh Pirates as a starting pitcher in 2004. He last appeared in a major league game in 2016, when he made ten relief appearances for the Washington Nationals and pitched to a 3.18 ERA, a 4.91 FIP, and a 1.06 WHIP in 5.2 innings. He has only pitched 16 innings over 26 games since the start of the 2013 season.

Following his time with the Nationals, Burnett signed with the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 2017 season but was released at the end of spring training. He signed with the Miami Marlins prior to the 2018 season and pitched primarily in Triple-A New Orleans with one appearance in Single-A. He finished 2018 with a 5.23 ERA in 20.2 minor league innings and was released by the Marlins in June.

Burnett joins as another arm with major league experience that the Mets can call on in case of injuries. He joins Daniel Zamora, Luis Avilan, and Hector Santiago as the left-handed relievers vying for a spot on the team. The team recently signed Justin Wilson, who will be the team’s primary left-handed reliever.