Mets Secure Minor League Deal with Luke Jackson
The New York Mets have signed reliever Luke Jackson to a minor league deal. This agreement was reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic. Jackson’s career began in 2015 with the Texas Rangers and has spanned nearly a decade.
Mets Secure Minor League Deal with Luke Jackson
Jackson, a right-handed pitcher, has a significant baseball history. He played with the Atlanta Braves from 2017 to 2021 but faced challenges due to Tommy John surgery in April 2022, sidelining him for an entire season. After his recovery, he returned to Major League Baseball in 2023 with the San Francisco Giants and later made another return to Atlanta.
Recent Performance and Career Overview
In 2025, Jackson became more of a journeyman, appearing in 52 games for teams including the Rangers, Tigers, and Mariners. Over those appearances, he pitched 51 innings and achieved an overall ERA of 4.06. Notably, he finished the season strong, recording a 2.38 ERA in 11 1/3 innings for Seattle. He also showcased his skills in the postseason, allowing just one earned run across three innings.
- Career Highlights:
- 2019: Achieved 18 saves and a 1.3 fWAR with the Braves.
- Sustained a groundball rate over 50% since 2019.
- 2023: Ranked in the top 20% of qualified relievers with a 51.1% groundball rate.
While Jackson’s strikeout rate dipped to 17.4% in 2025, his ability to induce groundballs remains a valuable asset. This skill has helped him maintain his place in the league despite a decline in velocity.
Potential Role with the Mets
With the Mets’ current bullpen setup, Jackson could find a role depending on roster changes. Devin Williams and Luke Weaver are managing the late innings, while Huascar Brazobán, Tobias Myers, and Sean Manaea fill other bullpen spots. Manaea, a former starter, may shift back to that role soon, possibly opening a spot for Jackson.
Richard Lovelady’s inconsistent performance could make him vulnerable in the event of Jackson’s promotion. Lovelady has faced multiple designations for assignment and struggled at the start of the season, potentially paving the way for Jackson’s return to the majors.
