Kay heads overseas to Japan after splitting last year between the Cubs and Mets, posting an inflated 6.14 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 11/9 K/BB ratio across 14 2/3 innings (16 appearances). The 28-year-old lefty was a first-round pick of the Mets back in 2016.

It’s likely that most — if not all — of the hurlers will refuse the outright assignments and elect free agency. There’s something to be said though for a lack of competition, and if they’re serious about securing a spot in a big league bullpen for the 2024 season, the A’s may offer the clearest path to doing so.

The 28-year-old former top prospect has bounced around a lot in recent years, but he should have a chance to compete for a regular job in the Athletics’ bullpen next season. Kay registered a 6.60 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and an 11/9 K/BB ratio over 15 innings between the Cubs and Mets during the 2023 season.

The Mets claimed the 28-year-old southpaw off of waivers from the Cubs last week and now he’ll get an opportunity to pitch at the big league level for the team that made him a first-round pick (31st overall) in the 2016 draft. Kay posted a 6.35 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and an 8/8 K/BB ratio in 11 1/3 innings with the Cubs this season.