The Mets have signed former Rays right-handed pitcher Sam McWilliams to a major league deal. The move puts the Mets 40-man roster at 37.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports the deal for McWilliams is $750,000, significant number given he has no major league experience. McWilliams also has three accessible options left.
McWilliams, 25, didn’t officially pitch in 2020 though he was part of the Rays’ 60-player pool and on occasion the taxi squad as well. The 6-foot-7 former eighth round pick of the Phillies back in 2014, had a 4.10 ERA in 131 innings between Double-A and Triple-A in 2019.
The big righty has seen his fastball up to 99 mph and was sitting 96-98 (an uptick in velo) with the Rays in camp. Here’s a good read on how he worked with the Rays to improve. He also features a slider and changeup. In 109 career minor league appearances, he has a 3.85 ERA in 94 starts.
