Mets sign former 1.40 ERA Orioles reliever who was recently cut by Nationals

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May 6, 2026 - 20:42

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Mets sign former 1.40 ERA Orioles reliever who was recently cut by Nationals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets face an uphill battle to turn their season around.

Once projected as contenders in the National League, the Mets have looked nothing close to that through 35 games. They currently sit in last place in the NL East.

One move is not going to change that, but New York is hoping it can at least help the bullpen.

According to a report from Francys Romero of BeisbolFR, left-hander Cionel Perez, designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals last week, has signed a minor league contract with the Mets.

"Pérez wrapped up his five-week Nationals stint with a 6.19 ERA and more walks (11) than strikeouts (nine) through 16 frames," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors wrote.

"It’s the second straight ugly year for Pérez, who had a nice 2022-24 run in Baltimore but was tagged for 20 runs in 21 2/3 innings as an Oriole last year."

Perez's nice run with the Orioles started in 2022, when he posted a 1.40 ERA with just two home runs allowed in 57.2 innings.

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Presumably, he will start his Mets career at Triple-A Syracuse after making the Nationals' Opening Day roster.

"There’s no dire need for left-handed relief help in the Mets organization, but there’s also no harm in taking a low-cost look at a 30-year-old with a 96 mph heater who was a quality setup option for the Orioles not long ago," Adams added.