The Mets have added right‑hander Robert Stock on a one‑year major‑league contract. MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo notes it’s a split deal, meaning his pay varies between the big‑league roster and the minors. Can his veteran arm boost a shaky rotation?
Turning 37 later this month, Stock brings six MLB seasons to New York. He logged a 4.71 ERA over 55 games and 72 2/3 innings with four clubs between 2018 and 2021, then spent three years abroad in Korea, Mexico, independent ball, and with Milwaukee’s Triple‑A team. He resurfaced with two relief outings for Boston in 2025 and signed a minor‑league pact with the Mets last winter.
After undergoing thoracic outlet surgery in March, Stock was back in the minors by mid‑June and earned a call‑up in early August. He started seven of eight appearances for New York, posting a 5.93 ERA, a 19.7% strikeout rate and a 10.2% walk rate over 30 1/3 innings.
The concern here is the finger numbness that halted his season in mid‑September, especially given his TOS background. Yet the Mets re‑signed him, signaling confidence in his health. He still threw his fastball at 95.8 mph, showing no loss of velocity after surgery.
Stock already occupies a spot on the 40‑man roster but lacks minor‑league options, so the Mets would need to designate him for assignment to send him to Triple‑A. His slightly higher guaranteed salary might deter other clubs from claiming him off waivers.
If he stays, Stock will provide rotation or bullpen depth as New York hunts for pitching upgrades this winter. Will the Mets keep him in the organization or let him test free agency?