Reliever market finally moving as Mets eye bullpen arms

With MLB’s arbitration-eligible contracts largely settled and a few relief pitchers finally picked up in free agency, perhaps the bullpen market has begun to move.

The Mets, who have work to do beyond Pete Alonso and could use a late-inning complement to Edwin Diaz, are paying attention.

The Blue Jays signed 2024 All-Star Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million pact Friday, soon after the Orioles plucked righty Andrew Kittredge on a one-year, $10 million deal, and a couple days after the Rangers landed righty Chris Martin for one year and $5.5 million.

Even a few signings represent a sign of life from a positional group in which just 17 relievers entered this weekend having agreed to non-split, major league contracts this offseason — not including Clay Holmes, whom the Mets signed to start.

The Mets have brought in Dylan Covey and Justin Hagenman on split deals.

The club recently met with Tanner Scott, who is the largest domino at the top of the relief market and ideal for the Mets after a pair of dominant seasons with the Marlins and Padres.