The Journey of Dicky Lovelady to Mets Opening Day
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
It was great to see Richard Lovelady, Dicky as he prefers to be called, get the final bullpen spot for the New York Mets to start the 2026 season.
The journey of the left handed reliever has been an intriguing one to say the very least.
Getting drafted by the Kansas City Royals and making his Major League debut in 2019, he spent parts of three seasons pitching in 46 games with a 2-3 record with a 4.37 ERA in 41.2 innings of work.
Then, it began. After being non-tendered and then re-signed by KC in 2022 under a Minor League contract, Lovelady was then traded to the Atlanta Braves on March 30, 2023 for cash considerations. Subsequently, he was designated for assignment almost immediately and picked up by the Oakland Athletics, which he pitched in 27 games, going 0-3 with a 4.54 ERA in 23.1 innings of work.
After being cut on November 6, he signed a Minor League contract with the Chicago Cubs on February 6, 2024 and joined the Major League squad on April 28. A few weeks later, he was again designated for assignment on May 14 and then traded to the Tampa Bay Rays four days later for pitcher Jeff Beige. In 34.1 innings between both teams, he went 3-6 with a 3.92 ERA.
Finally, the last eighteen months have been such a blur as it comes to the transaction history for the now 30 year old lefty.
Nov 19, 2024
Designated for Assignment by Tampa Bay (TB)
Nov 22, 2024
Non-Tendered by Tampa Bay (TB)
Jan 22, 2025
Signed a minor league contract with Toronto (TOR)
Mar 17, 2025
Contract purchased by Toronto (TOR)
Mar 30, 2025
Designated for Assignment by Toronto (TOR)
Apr 04, 2025
Released by Toronto (TOR)
Apr 08, 2025
Signed a minor league contract with Minnesota (MIN)
Jun 18, 2025
Released by Minnesota (MIN)
Jun 23, 2025
Signed a contract with New York (NYM)
Jun 25, 2025
Designated for Assignment by New York (NYM)
Jun 29, 2025
Contract purchased by New York (NYM)
Jul 18, 2025
Designated for Assignment by New York (NYM)
Sep 20, 2025
Contract purchased by New York (NYM)
Sep 25, 2025
Designated for Assignment by New York (NYM)
Sep 29, 2025
Released by New York (NYM)
Oct 23, 2025
Signed a 1 year $1 million contract with New York (NYM)
Jan 22, 2026
Designated for Assignment by New York (NYM)
Jan 30, 2026
Claimed off waivers by Washington (WSH)
Mar 10, 2026
Designated for Assignment by Washington (WSH)
Mar 14, 2026
Claimed off waivers by New York (NYM)
For me, as a fan, it shows how tough and ruthless a business professional sports can be. The amount of moving around and up & down in such a short timespan can make your head spin.
After his 2025 between Toronto and the Mets being rough with an 8.49 ERA and going 0-1 in 11.2 innings, it’s a blessing in disguise to see Lovelady gain another opportunity in the big leagues.
With AJ Minter being on the disabled list to start the year following his recovery from lat surgery last year, Sean Manaea being a swingman with the starting rotation, and Brooks Raley being the only other lefty option in the pen, Lovelady might have a little more stability to start the year to make an impact with the club.
Needless to say, his perseverance has been admirable. At this point, I truly hope that Dicky Lovelady succeeds and makes this whole journey worth it. Sometimes, the journey to success goes through some serious tough times.
Good luck to him and good luck to the Mets. It can go either way this year.
Bankie Bruce
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