Mets Claim Right-Handed Reliever Geoff Hartlieb Off Waivers

The Mets have claimed right-hander Geoff Hartlieb off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Hartlieb was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse and the Mets 40-man roster is now full.

Pittsburgh designated Hartlieb for assignment on Saturday after three seasons with the team.

Hartlieb, 27, appeared in 54 games for the Pirates out of the bullpen during his tenure in Pittsburgh. He struggled to find much success in 62 innings pitched, as he pitched to a 6.97 ERA, 1.823 WHIP,  gave up 71 hits, and walked 42 batters.

His 2020 season was his best, pitching to a 3.63 ERA over 22.1 innings in 21 games pitched. His slider averaged 11.9 inches of break during that 2020 season, which is 96% more break than similar MLB sliders at his velocity.

Geoff Hartlieb's slider gets a ton of horizontal break.

In 2020, Hartlieb's slider averaged 11.9 inches of break or 96% more break than similar MLB sliders at his velocity.#Mets #LGM @Metsmerized https://t.co/boEFozs6bm pic.twitter.com/h78PQsNIr2

— Mathew Brownstein (@MBrownstein89) July 9, 2021

While he hasn’t had much success in the majors, Hartlieb’s minor league track record is impressive. The right-hander owns a 2.82 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and has struck out 209 batters in 137 games pitched in the minors. That includes a 1.86 ERA in 9 2/3 innings in Triple-A this season.

Ironically, Hartlieb was drafted by the Mets in 37th round of the 2015 draft, however, didn’t sign and was drafted by the Pirates the next year.

Hartlieb will provide the Mets with a flexible bullpen arm down the stretch of the season, as he still has a minor league option remaining.

The post Mets Claim Right-Handed Reliever Geoff Hartlieb Off Waivers first appeared on Metsmerized Online.