NEW YORK -- More than six weeks after last taking the field, the Mets on Thursday made their first offseason signings of players from outside the organization. The club inked right-handed pitchers Ben Rowen and Cory Burns to Minor League deals, inviting Rowen to big league Spring Training.
Rowen, 28, appeared in four games for the Brewers in 2016, allowing five earned runs in three innings. He was successful throughout the season at Triple-A, posting a 2.33 combined ERA at the Blue Jays' and Brewers' top affiliates. A 22nd-round Draft pick of the Rangers in 2010, Bowen will be among a large number of relievers competing for spots in the Mets' Opening Day bullpen.