NEW YORK – The Mets continued to add to their pitch depth on Sunday, signing veterans Mike Montgomery and Tommy Hunter to Minor League contracts. Both received invitations to major league spring training, bringing the total number of Mets invitations to 70.
Montgomery, who was selected by the Draft in the first round, oscillated between starting and assisting work during his six-year career with the Mariners, Cubs and Royals. He won a World Series ring with the Cubs in 2016, allowing a run in five classic fall appearances. Most recently, Montgomery served as a multi-time rescue system in Kansas City, spending two short periods with the Majors in 2020.
With the Mets, Montgomery offers another left-handed bullpen option behind Aaron Loup, with the ability to stretch as a starter if needed.
Hunter also entered the major leagues as a starter in 2008, but has worked exclusively as a reliever for the past eight seasons. He posted an ERA 4.01 in 24 appearances for the Phillies last season, with 25 hits in 24 2/3 innings.
Hunter will compete with many others for a job in the Mets’ Opening Day bullpen. There is an additional place due to the imminent operation of Seth Lugo’s elbow, but the Mets have half a dozen locks or almost locks for the bullpen in Edwin Díaz, Trevor May, Jeurys Familia, Dellin Betances, Miguel Castro and Loup. This leaves room for one to three pitchers to win jobs, with Montgomery and Hunter competing against Robert Gsellman, Sam McWilliams and many others.
Previous Minor League signings include veterans Jerry Blevins, Trevor Hildenberger and Arodys Vizcaino.
And the Mets could add more weapons before spring training. They have been linked to free agent Trevor Rosenthal, among others, in recent weeks.