The New York Mets added pitching depth Monday by acquiring right-hander Matt Seelinger from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations.
The trade was announced before the Mets opened a new series, with Seelinger reporting to Triple-A Syracuse rather than joining the major league roster. Because he was not on Detroit's 40-man roster, the deal did not require an immediate corresponding major league move.
Seelinger became available after triggering an upward mobility clause in his minor league contract. The Tigers did not have room to promote him, allowing the Mets to acquire the veteran reliever instead.
The 31-year-old has yet to make his major league debut despite spending time in the Pirates, Rays, Giants, Phillies and Tigers organizations. He was originally selected by Pittsburgh in the 28th round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of Farmingdale State College.
Pitching for Triple-A Toledo this season, Seelinger posted a 3.89 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 19 walks across 39 1/3 innings in 27 appearances. His ability to miss bats made him an attractive depth addition for a Mets organization seeking bullpen reinforcements.
He features a four-seam fastball that averages 92.4 mph along with a cutter and knuckle curve. While his control has been inconsistent, Seelinger owns a career 12.0 strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate in the minor leagues.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Mets entered Monday with a 37-53 record as they continued searching for answers during a difficult season. Adding an experienced reliever gives the organization another option at Triple-A as it manages injuries and evaluates bullpen depth.
Seelinger is expected to begin his Mets tenure with Syracuse and could earn a major league opportunity if he continues producing. For now, the move gives New York another experienced arm without requiring a spot on its 40-man roster.
ALSO SEE:
- MLB Prop Bets Today: Best MLB Player Prop Predictions for Saturday, July 4
- MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Saturday, July 4
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First Inning Predictions for Saturday, July 4
