WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Rico Garcia had options.
A 31-year-old righty with some major league experience coming off a mostly strong season closing for the Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate, Garcia surveyed his minor league deals on the table — the Yankees, Braves, Tigers, Reds and Cubs.
The debate was over when the Mets made an offer, and Garcia was advised to jump on it.
The reliever is now in Mets major league camp largely because their pitching development system has earned a reputation within the industry.
