The Chicago Cubs lost their closer from 2023 as he has reportedly agreed to a deal with the New York Mets.
Former Chicago Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay has reportedly agreed to a two-year minor league contract with the New York Mets, according to multiple sources, including SNY. The deal has not yet been officially announced, and Alzolay has not been listed on the Mets’ transaction log.
Alzolay was designated for assignment by the Cubs on November 19 and became a free agent three days later. The two sides parted ways knowing that it was unlikely Alzolay would pitch in 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September. The reported two-year contract will allow him to continue his rehabilitation within the Mets’ organization in 2025, with the aim of being ready for the 2026 season.
The surgery marked the end of a challenging period for Alzolay, who had dealt with right forearm strains over the previous two years. His injury issues began in 2023 when he emerged as the Cubs’ closer but had to spend time on the injured list, including a 60-day stint last year. After starting a rehab assignment in July, Alzolay spent time with both the ACL Cubs and Triple-A Iowa before being shut down for the season.
In 2024, Alzolay appeared in 18 games, all in relief, going 1-4 with a 4.67 ERA. He saved four of nine opportunities and earned one hold, pitching just 17.1 innings with 13 strikeouts and six walks. His injury and declining performance created a gap for the Cubs in the ninth inning for much of the season.
In 2023, Alzolay had a breakout year, taking over as the Cubs’ closer and saving 22 games in 25 chances, along with seven holds. He made a career-high 58 appearances, finishing the season 2-5 with a 2.67 ERA, 67 strikeouts, and 13 walks.
Alzolay began his career as a starter and spent much of the 2021 season in the Cubs’ rotation, starting 21 of his 29 games. That year, he went 5-13 with a 4.58 ERA, with 128 strikeouts and 34 walks over 125.1 innings. However, injuries limited him in 2022, leading to his transition to the bullpen.
As for the Cubs, they currently don’t have a designated closer heading into spring training. The closest option is Porter Hodge, who stepped into the role late in the 2024 season, saving nine of 12 opportunities. Hodge finished the year with a 3-1 record and a 1.88 ERA, striking out 52 and walking 19 in 43 innings.
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