The New York Mets continue to work quietly behind the scenes as the offseason starts to take shape. While these aren’t headline-grabbing moves, they’re the kind that can pay off over a long season.

On Thursday, the Mets made two additions aimed at improving their depth and flexibility — retaining left-handed pitcher Jose Castillo and claiming utility man Ji Hwan Bae off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Neither move will dominate the winter meetings conversation, but they fit what the Mets seem to be building — a roster with options, competition, and more balance from both sides of the plate.

Jose Castillo’s chance to stick in the bullpen

Castillo, 29, gives the Mets something they’ve needed more of: a capable lefty reliever. Last season, he posted a 3.94 ERA across four different o

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