The New York Mets have already added two key players from the New York Yankees this offseason, Juan Soto and Clay Holmes, and also hired Desi Druschel, the former Yankees pitching coach, to assist Jeremy Hefner. With a need for major league-level relief pitchers, the Mets are now eyeing free-agent lefty Tim Hill and veteran Tommy Kahnle, both still available on the market. Hill had a standout season for the Yankees in 2024 after being picked up mid-year from the struggling Chicago White Sox.
Posting a 2.05 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 44 regular-season innings, he continued his success in the postseason with a 1.08 ERA in 8.1 innings. Hill, who turns 35 in February, is likely to be offered a one-year deal, possibly with an option, and the Mets may consider him, especially with Druschel’s past success in revitalizing his career.
On the other hand, Kahnle, a 36-year-old right-hander, has been a reliable presence in the Yankees’ bullpen over the past two seasons. In 2023, he posted a 2.66 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 40.2 innings and a 2.11 ERA in 42.2 innings in 2024. Kahnle also performed well in the postseason with a 2.08 ERA in 8.2 innings. When healthy, he is known as one of the league’s top setup men and could provide the Mets with another valuable option in the bullpen, bridging to closer Edwin Diaz. Like Hill, Kahnle is likely to be signed to a one-year deal with an option.
Currently, the Mets have a mix of pitchers in their bullpen, including Diaz, Dedniel Nunez, Jose Butto, Tylor Megill, Reed Garrett, Huascar Brazoban, Sean Reid-Foley, and Danny Young. The Mets are also considering a potential reunion with trade deadline acquisitions Ryne Stanek and Phil Maton or bringing in Hill and Kahnle to strengthen their bullpen. Other veteran relievers like Kirby Yates (38) and former Met David Robertson (40) are also available. While the relief pitching market typically moves slowly, it is expected to heat up in January and February, with the Mets potentially making moves to finalize their bullpen options.
