Former Chicago Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay has reportedly found a new opportunity, agreeing to a two-year minor league contract with the New York Mets, as reported by multiple outlets, including SNY.
The Mets have not officially announced the deal, and Alzolay’s name has yet to appear in the team’s transaction log.
Alzolay was designated for assignment by the Cubs on November 19 and opted for free agency three days later. The decision to part ways came with the understanding that Alzolay was unlikely to pitch in 2025 due to Tommy John surgery he underwent in September. The reported two-year deal allows him to continue his rehabilitation within the Mets organization, aiming for a return in the 2026 season.
The surgery capped off two years of recurring right forearm issues that began during the 2023 season when Alzolay emerged as the Cubs’ closer. That year, he spent two stints on the injured list, including the 60-day IL. In 2024, after beginning a rehab assignment in July with the ACL Cubs and Triple-A Iowa, he was ultimately shut down for the remainder of the season.
In 2024, Alzolay appeared in 18 relief games, posting a 1-4 record with a 4.67 ERA. He recorded four saves in nine opportunities and one hold, pitching 17.1 innings with 13 strikeouts and six walks. His injuries and inconsistent performance left the Cubs struggling to fill the closer role for much of the season.
Alzolay’s breakout season came in 2023, when he transitioned into the closer role, saving 22 games in 25 chances and adding seven holds. He appeared in a career-high 58 games, finishing with a 2-5 record, a 2.67 ERA, 67 strikeouts, and 13 walks.
Earlier in his career, Alzolay worked primarily as a starter. In 2021, he started 21 of 29 games for the Cubs, finishing with a 5-13 record and a 4.58 ERA. That season, he struck out 128 batters and walked 34 over 125.1 innings. Injuries sidelined him for most of 2022, leading to his eventual shift to the bullpen.
The Cubs currently lack a clear closer heading into spring training. Porter Hodge emerged as a potential candidate late last season, recording nine saves in 12 opportunities. He also went 3-1 with a 1.88 ERA, striking out 52 and walking 19 in 43 innings.
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