Mets Continue Roster Overhaul as Devenski Heads to Pittsburgh
In a move that further exemplifies the New York Mets’ significant organizational transformation under David Stearns, veteran reliever Chris Devenski has reportedly agreed to a minor-league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. According to insider Ken Rosenthal’s announcement on X, Devenski’s departure marks yet another change for a Mets team that has already said goodbye to notable faces Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso this offseason. While many Mets supporters had hoped the front office would prioritize retaining players familiar with the organization, Stearns appears committed to his vision of comprehensive change, regardless of fan sentiment or previous team connections.
Devenski’s time with the Mets was brief but impressive, despite spending most of 2023 with Triple-A Syracuse. In his limited 13-game stint in Queens, the right-hander demonstrated considerable value, posting a stellar 2.16 ERA with 14 strikeouts and only five walks across 16 2/3 innings. His effectiveness during this small sample size makes his departure potentially concerning for a Mets bullpen that struggled significantly last season. While starting pitching received the brunt of criticism for the team’s underperformance, relief pitching beyond Diaz was also inconsistent, making Devenski’s reliable contributions all the more valuable during his short tenure.
The journeyman reliever brings considerable experience to his new home in Pittsburgh. After beginning his career with the Houston Astros, where he contributed to their 2017 World Series championship, Devenski has showcased his talents across multiple organizations. His baseball journey has included stops with Arizona, Philadelphia, Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay, and most recently the Mets before this latest move to the Pirates. This wealth of experience in different environments, combined with his recent effective pitching, suggests Devenski has a strong chance of making Pittsburgh’s opening day roster as their bullpen continues taking shape ahead of spring training.
For the Pirates, this signing represents a low-risk acquisition with potential upside. Devenski’s minor-league deal means Pittsburgh can evaluate his performance during spring training without significant financial commitment, while potentially adding a veteran arm with postseason experience to their bullpen. His ability to perform under pressure and mentorship potential for younger relievers makes him an intriguing addition to a Pittsburgh team looking to improve their relief corps. Though the exact details of his contract remain undisclosed, the structure of a minor-league deal typically includes performance incentives and opt-out clauses that could benefit both the player and organization.
From the Mets’ perspective, Devenski’s departure continues a pattern of significant roster turnover that has defined Stearns’ early tenure with the organization. While individually each move might be defensible from a strategic standpoint, collectively they represent a clear philosophical shift away from continuity and toward a complete reimagining of the team’s composition. The loss of Devenski specifically highlights questions about how the Mets plan to address their bullpen concerns for the upcoming season, given that relief pitching was a notable weakness in 2023 and several effective arms have now departed the organization.
As spring training approaches, both teams find themselves at different points in their competitive cycles. The Pirates appear to be methodically adding veteran pieces to complement their young core, while the Mets continue their dramatic roster reconstruction under new leadership. For Mets fans, Devenski’s departure represents another moment of transition in an offseason defined by change, leaving many to wonder about the complete vision Stearns has for the team’s future. Meanwhile, Pirates supporters gain a reliever with championship pedigree who could provide valuable innings and leadership for a bullpen seeking stability. In the ever-changing landscape of baseball, Devenski’s move exemplifies how quickly team compositions can transform, with players constantly adapting to new environments as organizations pursue their distinct visions for success.
