Mets Designate Richard Lovelady for Assignment to Make Room for Craig Kimbrel

The New York Mets have designated left-hander Richard Lovelady for assignment to make room for Craig Kimbrel on the active roster. Kimbrel’s minor league deal was officially selected to the 26-man roster earlier today. Lovelady is now the ninth player to be DFA’d in his career with five of those moves occurring under the Mets' watch since June.

Lovelady signed with the Mets on a split contract during the offseason worth $1 million if he remains on the active roster and $350,000 if he stays in the minors. This deal gives the Mets financial flexibility while retaining his services at a reduced rate in the minors. If Lovelady clears waivers and elects free agency instead of an outright assignment, he would forfeit the guaranteed money. This financial incentive may encourage the 32-year-old to stay within the Mets organization.

Lovelady’s history with the Mets has been anything but linear. The Nationals claimed him from New York in January after a previous designation for assignment. The Mets reclaimed him in March after the Nationals also DFA’d him. This back-and-forth continued into the regular season with Lovelady earning a spot on the Opening Day roster and making six appearances. He posted a 3.68 ERA with a 54.5% ground ball rate over 7 1/3 innings. Right-handed batters have struggled against him with a .958 OPS while lefties are limited to a .545 OPS.

Lovelady’s career has been shaped by timing. He made his MLB debut in 2019 just as the three-batter rule was introduced, marking the end of the lefty specialist era. His 18.8% strikeout rate and 12.5% walk rate this season reflect the challenges of a role that no longer exists. Still, the Mets have consistently seen value in his left-handed presence and have used him as a depth piece in their volatile bullpen.

The Mets now turn their attention to the waiver period. If the Nationals claim Lovelady again, it would continue a familiar pattern. If not, they can outright him off the 40-man roster or assign him to the minors. The decision will be made by the end of the waiver period on Friday.