The Hidden Reason Mets Wanted Jefry Yan: Bullpen Hacks a Lost Year
The Mets’ Bullpen Puzzle: How a Bunch of "Tryout" Relievers Are Trying to Stick
TL;DR: The New York Mets are auditioning a group of relatively unknown pitchers to fill their bullpen. One standout is Jefry Yan, a lefty with a signature jump celebration and electric strikeout stuff. With their closer injured, the Mets are throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks — and a few pitchers are making a real case to stay.
Who Is Jefry Yan and Why Does He Jump?
Imagine a pitcher who strikes out nearly 4 out of every 10 batters he faces. That’s Jefry Yan.
- The Mets liked him for years — since 2023, when he dominated in Double-A (the second-highest minor league level).
- He chose Japan first, then signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2025.
- The Rockies released him mid-season — and the Mets pounced.
- New York gave him a rare two-year minor-league deal (unusual for a healthy pitcher).
- He didn’t pitch in a game for months — just worked at the team’s Florida complex.
- In 2026, he “unlocked a new gear” — velocity up, sinker better, breaking balls sharper.
- He got called up in August after the Mets traded away veterans at the deadline.
The Jump
Yan is famous for leaping into the air after strikeouts. It’s his thing. Even Mets executives knew about it before signing him — they told the bosses, “This is part of who he is.”
Funny moment: In his debut, Yan jumped thinking he had a called strike three. The automated ball-strike system (ABS) said: “Nope, that was a ball.” The broadcaster laughed: “Now that was funny.”
Why Is the Mets’ Bullpen a Giant Tryout?
The Problem
- Closer Devin Williams is injured — no clear return date.
- The Mets have struggled for years to develop their own relievers.
- Good teams usually figure this out. The Mets? Not so much.
The Solution: “Shots on Goal”
As Mets executive Nate Horowitz put it:
“A lot of this is kind of shots on goal… some are going to work out, and some of them aren’t.”
Translation: Try a bunch of guys. Hope one or two stick.
Meet the Contestants
Here are the relievers auditioning right now:
| Pitcher | Background | What’s Working |
|---|---|---|
| Kodai Senga | Former Japanese star, was a starter | 97.3 mph fastball (up 1+ mph), two saves, loving the role |
| Daniel Duarte | Righty, up-and-down career | 0.98 ERA in 18⅓ innings, dominating lefties (.466 OPS) |
| Nate Lavender | Lefty, throws strikes | Attacks the zone, simple plan |
| Jonathan Pintaro | Righty, other teams wanted him | Two scoreless innings recently, stuck around |
| Chayce McDermott | Prospect, acquired in trades | High upside, still developing |
| Jack Weisenburger | Undrafted free agent | Grinder, earning trust |
| Dedniel Núñez | Burst in 2024, got hurt | Trying to find his form again |
| Jefry Yan | The jumper, 39% K rate in ’23 | Electric stuff, fun energy |
Key Insight: Many of these guys used to worry: One bad outing → back to Triple-A. Now? They’re staying up. That freedom lets them pitch with confidence.
Why Kodai Senga Looks Like a Different Pitcher
- Was a starter — pitched every 6 days, had to pace himself.
- Now a reliever — one inning, max effort, 97.3 mph heaters.
- Throws more forkballs and four-seamers, fewer nibbles at the edges.
- Bullpen coach José Rosado: “He’s enjoying what he’s doing. Less thinking. It’s do or die — and he likes that.”
Still in “discovery mode” — Mets haven’t used him back-to-back yet, but plan to.
The Big Picture: Why This Matters
The Dream
Find 1 or 2 reliable relievers from this group → stop overpaying in free agency → build a sustainable bullpen.
The Reality
- Núñez shows how hard it is: great 2024 → injury → struggle.
- Austin Warren was great early → got hurt → rehabbing.
- Most won’t work out. But one or two? That’s a win.
Important Points to Remember
CALL OUT BOX
- The Mets are not expecting all these pitchers to succeed.
- They are creating an environment where pitchers can fail without fear of instant demotion.
- Jefry Yan is the face of this experiment — fun, fierce, and striking guys out.
- Kodai Senga’s move to the pen might be the biggest upside surprise.
- Daniel Duarte is quietly having a phenomenal season.
- Success = 1–2 keepers for 2025 and beyond.
Summary
The Mets’ bullpen is a science experiment right now. With their closer hurt and a history of failing to grow relievers, they’ve gathered a crew of castoffs, prospects, and curiosities — and said: “Show us what you got.”
- Jefry Yan brings the showmanship and strikeouts.
- Kodai Senga brings star power and velocity.
- Daniel Duarte brings results.
- The rest? They’re getting a real shot.
If just one or two become dependable arms, the Mets win. And if Yan keeps jumping — even when he’s wrong — at least we’ll be entertained.
FAQ
Why did the Mets sign Jefry Yan to a two-year minor-league deal?
A: It’s rare for a healthy pitcher. But the Mets believed in his stuff (39% K rate!) and wanted to keep him from leaving. The second year gives them control if he breaks out — which he did.
What is “ABS” and why did it ruin Yan’s celebration?
A: Automated Ball-Strike System — robot umps. Yan thought he got a called strike three, jumped, then the screen said “Ball.” Everyone laughed. Even the announcers.
Why is Kodai Senga throwing harder as a reliever?
A: As a starter, he had to save energy for 100+ pitches. Now? One inning. All gas. No brakes. Plus, he’s happier — and that helps.
What does “shots on goal” mean?
A: A hockey metaphor. You take lots of shots (sign lots of relievers), knowing most won’t score (work out). But you only need a couple goals to win.
Can the Mets really build a bullpen this way?
A: Other teams do it (Rays, Guardians, Dodgers). The Mets haven’t — yet. This is their best attempt in years. Low cost, high upside, real opportunity.
Enjoy the chaos. Enjoy the jumps. And keep an eye on that bullpen — someone’s about to stick.