Mets sign reliever Trevor Hildenberger to a minor league deal

The New York Mets signed right-handed pitcher Trevor Hildenberger to a minor league deal this afternoon, according to Andy Martino. Hildenberger most recently pitched in the majors in 2019 as a reliever for the Minnesota Twins.

Hildenberger showed a lot of promise in the Twins organization as a potential closer, and he made good on that promise during his 2017 rookie season by putting up a 1.048 WHIP and a 139 ERA+ in 42 innings. He struggled the following season despite seeing action as the closer, however, putting up a 5.42 ERA in 73 appearances for the Twins. He last pitched in 2019, posting a 44 ERA+ in the majors while bouncing between the Twins and their Triple-A affiliate in Rochester.

The Boston Red Sox signed Hildenberger to a minor league deal in 2020 and invited him to spring training, where he did not make the big league roster. Though he has not pitched in an official game since 2019, he could compete for a spot in the Mets’ bullpen.