With a little more than a month before the 2025 Trade Deadline, teams are trying to position themselves best heading into July. The Mets, losers of eight of their last nine and need of bullpen help, signed Richard Lovelady to help their ailing bullpen. Arizona, meanwhile, signed veteran MLB catcher James McCann.
Mets add Lovelady
Amidst a need for left-handed pitching, the Mets signed Richard Lovelady — who was in St. Paul (AAA, MIN) — to a Major League contract. Lovelady was added to the Mets’ roster on June 23 alongside veteran outfielder Travis Jankowski, who played for New York (NL) in 2022.
Lovelady, referred to as “Dicky” in the Mets’ press release, isn’t an overpowering left-hander. He can gas it up to 95 MPH when needed but primarily sat in the low-90s. Where he excels is keeping the ball on the ground and generating movement on a sinker with downward breaking action.
He’s a side-armer who, while not impressive on paper, was efficient in getting ground balls. He did so at a rate of 51.9% last season between Chicago (NL) and Tampa Bay. And in Triple-A this season, the GB% was 61.1%.
It’s not the first move — nor likely the last — the Mets have made in recent weeks to add pitching. Jose Castillo, picked up in a deal with the Diamondbacks, has pitched very well as the Mets’ lone left-handed reliever. He struck out 14 over 11.1 IP and posted a .79 ERA in that span.
Lovelady comes during a time when the Mets are waiting for Brooks Raley to complete his rehab assignment. That assignment, which started on June 17 and can run for as long as 30 days, has seen Raley throw two scoreless innings thus far.
Diamondbacks sign McCann
Speaking of the Diamondbacks, Arizona recently signed catcher James McCann. McCann, who was on a Minor League deal with Atlanta, was released and, subsequently, allowed to sign with Arizona.
McCann, per the New York Times, had a rolling opt-out clause that would give him the chance to opt out if another team offered him an MLB contract.
The new Diamondbacks catcher hit well with Gwinnett (AAA), as he slashed .291/.331/.493 (.824 OPS) with six home runs and 17 extra-base hits across 41 games with the Stripers.
McCann’s reputation has been as a power-hitting catcher and a reliable backstop, albeit one with fluctuating framing numbers and a slow pop time. However, the Diamondbacks need help behind the plate, as Gabriel Moreno is currently on the IL.
For those wondering, the Diamondbacks currently have two active catchers in Triple-A Reno: former Ray Rene Pinto and Gavin Logan. Adrian Del Castillo, who saw time last season with Arizona, is currently on the IL.
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