Mets Officially Add Michael Wacha, Says He Was Signed As Starter

The Mets announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha on Friday afternoon. The deal is for one-year, $3 million with $7 million attainable in incentives.

In the corresponding 40-man roster move, the Mets have designated right-handed pitcher Chris Mazza for assignment.

Talking to reporters on a Friday afternoon conference call, “(The Mets) said they had a spot to start. I’m here to be in the rotation and be in there every fifth day.”

The problem with that of course, is that the Mets have also signed Rick Porcello and he’s getting $10 million guaranteed for the 2020 season. Porcello presumably signed to be the fifth starter behind Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, and Steven Matz.

Wacha, 28, went 6-7 with a 4.76 ERA, 5.61 FIP, and 1.56 WHIP in 126 innings for the Cardinals in 2019. He made 24 starts and five relief appearances. The former first rounder missed part of the season with a shoulder strain.

“With the addition of Michael to our staff, our rotation will continue to be an area of strength in 2020,” Mets Executive Vice President and General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen said. “Adding a fourth All-Star starter with proven success in the postseason gives us a group of starting pitchers with the potential to be among the best in the game.”