The New York Mets have made a strategic roster decision as they prepare to face the Washington Nationals in a three-game series starting Monday night. The team has selected the contract of pitcher Daniel Duarte while sending Joey Gerber to Triple-A.
Daniel Duarte Joins the Mets Roster
Daniel Duarte has not pitched in the Major Leagues since 2024 and joined the Mets this offseason on a minor league deal. The 29-year-old right-hander has spent time with Triple-A Syracuse, showcasing solid initial statistics. In 12 appearances, he has recorded an earned run average (ERA) of 2.60 over 17 1/3 innings.
Performance Insights
- Duarte’s strikeout rate stands at 19.7%, which is considered below average.
- His walk rate is notable at 12.7%, signaling issues with control.
- He boasts a ground ball rate of 45.8%, slightly above average.
Despite the favorable ERA, Duarte’s underlying performance metrics suggest he may have been aided by luck, indicated by a .255 batting average on balls in play and a high strand rate of 82.5%.
Duarte’s MLB Career Highlights
Hailing from Huatabampo, Mexico, Duarte made his MLB debut in 2022. He has accumulated 38.1 innings of work across three seasons, maintaining an overall ERA of 3.99 with 28 strikeouts.
2023 Season Statistics
During the 2023 season with the Cincinnati Reds, Duarte logged 31.2 innings but struggled with walks, issuing 20 free passes, translating to 5.6 walks per nine innings.
Current State of the New York Mets
The Mets are currently positioned last in the National League East with a 20-26 record. However, a sweep against the Nationals could elevate them to third place in the division. Recently, the team has shown signs of improvement, posting a 6-4 record in their last 10 games.
Despite this upswing, the Mets must maintain consistent performance if they hope to turn their season around and contend for a playoff spot.
