Mets Reclaim Lefty Pitcher Off Waivers

Richard Lovelady returns to the Mets' bullpen after multiple DFAs

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:03pm

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The New York Mets have reclaimed left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady off waivers from the Washington Nationals, marking the fourth time the team has acquired the 30-year-old pitcher within the last nine months. Lovelady has bounced between the Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and minor leagues over the past year, while the Mets have also placed right-hander Justin Hagenman on the 60-day injured list due to a rib fracture.

Why it matters

Lovelady's repeated transactions with the Mets highlight the fluid nature of roster management in Major League Baseball, as teams frequently claim and release players to fill bullpen needs. The Mets' decision to bring Lovelady back once again suggests they see potential in the left-hander despite his inconsistent performance at the big-league level.

The details

Lovelady first joined the Mets in June 2025 after opting out of a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins. He pitched 10 innings over eight appearances for New York last season, posting a 6.30 ERA. The Mets designated him for assignment multiple times during that stretch, but he re-signed with the team after electing free agency. Lovelady had stronger results at Triple-A Syracuse, where he recorded a 2.08 ERA across 17 1/3 innings.

  • Lovelady first joined the Mets in June 2025 after opting out of a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.
  • Lovelady pitched 10 innings over eight appearances for New York last season, posting a 6.30 ERA.
  • The Mets designated Lovelady for assignment multiple times during the 2025 season.
  • Lovelady re-signed with the Mets after electing free agency in 2025.
  • Lovelady recorded a 2.08 ERA across 17 1/3 innings at Triple-A Syracuse in 2025.

The players

Richard Lovelady

A 30-year-old left-handed reliever who has bounced between the Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and minor leagues over the past year.

Justin Hagenman

A 23rd-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018 who made his MLB debut with the Mets in 2025, posting a 4.56 ERA over 23 2/3 innings. He is currently on the 60-day injured list with a rib fracture.

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What’s next

The Mets will likely give Lovelady another opportunity to prove himself in their bullpen, while Hagenman's injury recovery will be closely monitored as he aims to return to the major league roster.

The takeaway

Lovelady's repeated transactions with the Mets highlight the fluid nature of roster management in MLB, as teams frequently claim and release players to fill bullpen needs. The Mets' decision to bring Lovelady back once again suggests they see potential in the left-hander despite his inconsistent performance at the big-league level.