The Mets cycled through an unusually large number of pitchers in 2025, with 46 players taking the mound—including position players—and 29 working in relief.
Of those who appeared in at least five games, only seven remain in the organization or are healthy heading into 2026, including Huascar Brazobán, A.J. Minter, and Brooks Raley.
Among that group, Raley is the most predictable option for 2026. Since returning from Korea in 2020, he’s developed into a reliable left-handed reliever, breaking out with the Rays in 2022 before solidifying his role with the Mets after a 2023 trade.
That season, he posted a 2.80 ERA over 66 appearances. Though injuries limited him in 2024, he began the year strong with seven scoreless innings.
After re-signing while still recovering, Raley returned in July 2025 and delivered solid results—allowing just seven runs over 25.2 innings with 25 strikeouts, six walks, and no home runs for a 2.45 ERA. The Mets exercised his 2026 option, making him the most experienced arm in their bullpen.
He primarily uses four pitches—sweeper, sinker, cutter, and change-up—with the sweeper as his go-to offering. Despite not throwing particularly hard, he generates strong spin rates, limiting hard contact and keeping exit velocities low.
Now entering his age-38 season, Raley may not have youth on his side, but with Minter sidelined to start the year, he’s expected to serve as the Mets’ main left-handed reliever.
His role could shift once Minter returns, but his consistency and effectiveness should keep him heavily involved out of the bullpen.
It’s also worth noting that Raley was among a group of Rays players in 2022 who chose not to wear Pride-themed gear during the team’s Pride Night, though he did not publicly explain his decision.
