**Today:** As anticipated, the Mets have released Jake Diekman, per Mike Puma of the New York Post.
**July 29:** The Mets announced they have designated left-hander Jake Diekman for assignment and have promoted fellow lefty Matt Gage from Triple-A Syracuse to fill his roster spot.
Diekman, a 37-year-old veteran reliever, signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Mets in February. Over 32 innings with the team, he struck out nearly 28% of batters but struggled with control issues. Last season, Diekman saw only 6% of his fly balls result in home runs, but in 2024, that figure has jumped to 29.2%, leading to seven home runs allowed—four in his last seven appearances. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza used Diekman in high-leverage situations in May and June, but his role has diminished in July.
Diekman’s contract includes a $4 million club option for 2025, which becomes guaranteed after 58 games. He currently has 43 appearances, so it’s likely he will be released by the Mets and sign a new deal elsewhere due to other teams’ reluctance to trigger the option.
Recently, Mendoza and the Mets have relied on Edwin Diaz, Jose Butto, and Dedniel Nuñez for high-leverage relief roles. The team acquired right-hander Ryne Stanek in a trade with the Mariners last week. Gage, who posted a 3.42 ERA, 30% strikeout rate, and 12.4% walk rate in 26 1/3 innings across Triple-A affiliates for the Dodgers and Mets, will join lefties Alex Young and Danny Young.
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