Mets Sign Veteran Reliever Luke Jackson to Minor League Deal

The move aims to bolster the team's bullpen depth ahead of the 2026 season.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:56am

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An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the Mets' search for bullpen depth and versatility.The Mets' signing of veteran reliever Luke Jackson reflects the team's efforts to add experienced, versatile arms to their bullpen ahead of the 2026 season.NYC Today

The New York Mets have signed veteran reliever Luke Jackson to a minor league contract, according to reports. Jackson, who has played for several teams over his 11-year MLB career, is known for his ability to induce groundballs at a high rate. The Mets are hoping the 34-year-old can provide valuable depth and experience to their bullpen as they look to contend in the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Mets' bullpen has been an area of focus this offseason, with the team looking to add more reliable arms to complement their late-inning specialists. Jackson's groundball tendencies and veteran presence could make him a useful piece, especially if the team decides to transition starter Sean Manaea to a relief role.

The details

Jackson has bounced around the league since making his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 2015. He's had stints with the Braves, Marlins, and most recently the Mariners, where he posted a 3.79 ERA in 2025. The right-hander has maintained a groundball rate over 50% since 2023, a valuable skill in an era dominated by strikeouts. The Mets will give Jackson a chance to earn a spot in their bullpen during spring training.

  • Luke Jackson made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 2015.
  • Jackson signed a minor league contract with the Mets in April 2026.

The players

Luke Jackson

A 34-year-old right-handed reliever who has played for several MLB teams over his 11-year career, known for his ability to induce groundballs at a high rate.

Sean Manaea

A Mets starting pitcher who the team is considering transitioning to a relief role for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Luke Jackson's groundball skills and veteran experience could be a valuable addition to our bullpen as we look to contend this season.”

— Billy Eppler, Mets General Manager

What’s next

The Mets will evaluate Luke Jackson's performance during spring training to determine if he earns a spot on the major league roster for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Mets' signing of Luke Jackson to a minor league deal highlights the team's focus on improving their bullpen depth and adding experienced arms who can provide value in different ways, beyond just pure strikeout ability.