CINCINNATI — Julio Teheran and the New York Mets completed a $2.5 million, one-year deal on Friday, addressing an immediate need in the team’s rotation that has been affected by injuries.
A long-standing opponent of the Mets while playing for the rival Braves, the experienced right-handed pitcher is set to start on Monday against his former club in the beginning of a four-game series in Atlanta.
“Now that I’m wearing the Mets’ uniform, I am very happy,” Teheran said Friday before the Mets played the Cincinnati Reds. “It’s just going out there, and just compete. I feel good with my pitches. Right now I’m on this side and just want to give my best.”
To create space on the roster, pitcher Michael Tonkin was designated for assignment. He had a 0-2 record with a 4.50 ERA in three appearances for the Mets, including a difficult outing on Thursday when he suffered a loss in the first game of a doubleheader against Detroit.
The 33-year-old Teheran spent spring training with the Baltimore Orioles but opted out of his minor league deal in late March when he didn’t make their opening-day roster.
He spent 12 days at home in Miami, where he stayed sharp by throwing bullpens and one simulated game.
“He’s a guy that’s been in the league for a long time,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Last year, he was a big addition for the Brewers. He’ll give you everything he’s got every time he takes the ball.”
Teheran can earn another $450,000 in performance bonuses this season. He believes he brings an improved repertoire to the Mets.
“I made some changes (during the spring),” Teheran said. “My slider got better. My two-seamer is running a little more. I learned a new changeup. Some say I’m a new pitcher.”
The two-time All-Star returned to the majors last year following an extended absence and went 3-5 with a 4.40 ERA in 11 starts and three relief appearances for NL Central champion Milwaukee.
David Stearns, the Mets’ new president of baseball operations, spent last season as an adviser to Brewers ownership after stepping down as their president of baseball operations the previous fall.
Teheran is 81-82 with a 3.83 ERA in 12 major league seasons with the Braves, Angels, Tigers and Brewers. He was an All-Star with Atlanta in 2014 and 2016.
Teheran made one start for Detroit in early April 2021 and then was sidelined by a shoulder injury. He pitched in Mexico and independent ball in 2022 before getting back to the big leagues last May with Milwaukee.
He said he came close to signing with the Mets before joining the Orioles.
“It was a tough decision for me,” Teheran said. “It was between two teams, and I decided to go there. It was a better opportunity. I got the chance to (earn) a rotation spot.”
New York is minus No. 1 starter Kodai Senga and fill-in Tylor Megill because of shoulder strains. Two other depth pieces for the rotation, David Peterson (left hip surgery) and Max Kranick (strained left hamstring), also are sidelined.
The team just played a doubleheader Thursday following consecutive rainouts and doesn’t have another day off until April 18.
“We’re in position where we’re down a couple of starters,” Mendoza said. “(Teheran’s) going to get an opportunity here. He’s got the ability to eat innings.”
Mendoza mentioned that Teheran could pitch in relief for Friday’s game against the Reds. If he doesn’t pitch on Friday, he will have a bullpen session on Saturday to get ready for his first game with the Mets on Monday.
Teheran has won 81 games, which is the second-highest number for a pitcher from Colombia, behind only Mets left-hander Jose Quintana, who has 92 wins.
Teheran expressed that it's significant for their country to have two top starting pitchers on the same team. He mentioned that they are looking forward to enjoying themselves.
