For the first time in franchise history, the New York Mets have signed a European amateur player—right-handed pitcher Matteo Marelli from Rovigo, Italy.
The 19-year-old, who developed in Italy’s top domestic league, Serie A, was scheduled for a signing ceremony Saturday in his hometown. He’ll begin his professional career with the Mets’ international program in the Dominican Republic.
Marelli began drawing interest from the Mets two years ago at Major League Baseball’s European Development Tournament in London. When scout Rosario Chiovaro saw him again this spring at the same event in Barcelona, Marelli’s fastball had jumped from the mid-80s to the mid-90s.
The Mets have signed RHP Matteo Marelli at a ceremony in Rovigo, Italy. It’s the first European amateur signing in Mets history.
The 19-year-old saw a jump from top velo of 88 to 94 over the last year. He’s also added a kick change to his arsenal.
He will start his career in… pic.twitter.com/9bWfbuUzNQ
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) July 5, 2025
“What I’m most proud about is the Mets are expanding their global footprint,” Chiovaro told Mets.com. “I want the Mets to be a global brand.”
Marelli now throws five distinct pitches, including a fastball that peaks at 94 mph, a cutter at 86, and what he calls a “kick change”—a pitch he refined by studying videos online.
Francisco Cervelli, the former MLB catcher and current manager of Italy’s U-23 national team, praised Marelli’s mindset and ceiling.
“You see a future,” Cervelli told ESPN. “It’s a very interesting player. And the arm… once he starts training every day, you’re going to see results very quickly.”
The Mets project Marelli as a low-leverage reliever for now, which would already represent a win for the team’s international scouting ambitions. But they aren’t ruling out a future as a starter, especially given his athleticism and rapid development.
Marelli debuted at 16 in Serie A and has pitched three seasons in Italy’s top league. He posted a 3.74 ERA with 45 strikeouts over 43.1 innings in 2024. His career ERA over three seasons stands at 5.15.
With Marelli’s signing, the Mets take a step into new territory—one that could signal greater engagement with Europe’s growing baseball scene.
Sources: ESPN, Metsmerized Online
