#1 Mets indication Hartwig, Ramirez in direction of minimal league promotions

The Mets have re-signed two players to minor league deals, just 10 days after opting not to tender them contracts at the non-tender deadline. Outfielder Alex Ramirez, once a top prospect in https://www.storenymets.com/collections/mookie-wilson-jersey the Mets' system, and reliever Grant Hartwig, a versatile bullpen arm, have both agreed to minor league agreements. Hartwig, who received a spring training invitation as part of his deal, made his MLB debut with the Mets in 2023, appearing in 28 games and pitching 35.1 innings with a 4.84 ERA. However, a torn meniscus that required knee surgery limited him to just four major league appearances in 2024. Ramirez, once considered one of the Mets' most significant international signings, has faced significant struggles since being promoted to Brooklyn in 2022. His performance further declined at Double-A Binghamton in 2024. Despite these challenges, Ramirez’s elite speed and youth—he won’t turn 23 until January—make him a worthwhile re-signing for the Mets on a low-risk, minor league deal. These moves come as the Mets aim to clear space on their 40-man roster ahead of next week’s Winter Meetings. By bringing back Hartwig and Ramirez on affordable, low-risk deals, the team https://www.storenymets.com retains depth without occupying valuable roster spots. Notably, left-handed reliever Alex Young, who was claimed off waivers by the Reds mid-season, was among the non-tendered players not brought back by the Mets.