The New York Mets have brought back veteran right-handed pitcher Robert Stock, agreeing to a one-year contract with the 36-year-old as they continue making adjustments to their pitching staff.
The organization officially announced the move in a post on X, confirming that Stock had signed a one-year Major League contract.
The Mets shared the following announcement:
“We have made the following roster moves:
We have signed RHP Robert Stock to a one-year Major League contract.”
Mets Re-Sign Robert Stock After 2026 Season
Stock returns to New York after making eight appearances for the Mets last season, including seven starts. The veteran right-hander recorded a 5.93 ERA and struck out 29 batters over 30 1/3 innings.
Although his numbers were not particularly impressive, Stock showed enough potential, particularly with his fastball velocity, to earn another opportunity with the organization.
According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, the Mets brought Stock back on a one-year split contract.
DiComo also provided some insight into how the organization could use the right-hander moving forward.
“Stock spent September in their rotation, flashing plus velocity despite TOS surgery, but probably profiles more as a bullpen option long-term.”
That assessment suggests the Mets could eventually move Stock into a relief role rather than continue using him as a regular starter.
His ability to generate velocity could make him an interesting bullpen option, particularly if he can improve his consistency and limit opposing hitters.
A Look at Robert Stock’s MLB Career
Stock’s professional baseball journey began when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of the University of Southern California.
Interestingly, he did not begin his professional career as a pitcher.
Stock initially played catcher during his first three minor league seasons before making the transition to the mound. The position change eventually opened a different path for his professional career.
After spending several years working through the minor league systems of different organizations, Stock finally reached the major leagues in 2018 with the San Diego Padres.
He spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons with San Diego, recording a 4.11 ERA across 50 1/3 innings. His appearances with the Padres came primarily out of the bullpen.
Stock moved to the Boston Red Sox organization for the 2020 season before joining the Mets and Chicago Cubs in 2021.
However, his time in the major leagues became less consistent over the following years.
Between 2022 and 2024, the right-hander continued his professional career in several different baseball environments. He pitched in South Korea, Mexico, the Milwaukee Brewers’ minor league system and the Atlantic League.
Despite spending multiple seasons away from the majors, Stock eventually earned another opportunity at the highest level.
Stock Returns to MLB With the Red Sox Before Joining Mets
In 2025, Stock returned to the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox, making two relief appearances.
He subsequently signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets ahead of the 2026 season.
His return to the organization did not happen immediately, as he spent time on the injured list before finally returning to action in July.
The Mets selected his contract in early August, giving him another opportunity to compete at the major league level.
He eventually worked his way into the team’s rotation during September, making seven starts among his eight total appearances.
Now, the Mets have decided to bring him back for another season.
At 36, Stock will have to prove that he can provide more consistent results if he wants to secure a meaningful role on the major league roster.
His experience as both a starter and reliever gives the Mets some flexibility, while his velocity could make him a useful option in the bullpen.
For now, the one-year agreement gives Stock another opportunity to extend his MLB career and potentially establish himself as a reliable pitching option for New York.
