Mets Make Bold Move, DFA Veteran Reliever Luis García After Struggles to Start 2026 Season

New York, New York — In a stunning and unexpected move, the New York Mets have designated veteran reliever Luis García for assignment, just 15 games into the 2026 MLB season. The decision has shocked many, especially considering the high expectations placed on the 39-year-old right-hander when he signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal with the team in the offseason.

García, who was expected to play a key role in the Mets’ bullpen this season, has instead seen his performance fall well short of expectations. In his first six appearances of the season, García posted a disappointing 7.11 ERA over 6.1 innings, giving up 11 hits and two walks. Despite showing promise during spring training, where he threw five scoreless innings with three strikeouts, García struggled once the regular season began, and the Mets felt they could no longer afford to wait for him to turn things around.

The Mets’ Decision to Act

The timing of the decision comes just days after the Mets had suffered a four-game losing streak, one that had left the team in a tight spot. The bullpen, a key strength in the past, has recently shown signs of weakness, and with the season still in its early stages, the Mets felt it was imperative to make changes swiftly to avoid further struggles. Luis García, who had been signed in the hopes of bolstering the Mets’ bullpen, became one of the casualties of this aggressive reshuffling.

The Mets officially announced the move via their X account on April 12, 2026, following the DFA of Richard Lovelady just one day earlier. In his place, the Mets have called up Joey Gerber, a right-handed pitcher from Triple-A Syracuse, who will now have the opportunity to contribute to the Mets’ bullpen. Gerber, who has limited major league experience with a 3.60 ERA in 20 career innings, could provide much-needed depth to the Mets’ relief corps.

Luis García’s Disappointing Start to 2026

Luis García’s journey with the Mets has been a tale of unmet expectations. After signing a one-year contract with the team in the offseason, García was brought in to be a reliable contributor in the Mets’ bullpen, a unit that had previously been one of the team’s strengths. However, García’s performance through the early part of the 2026 season raised significant concerns.

In his six appearances, García struggled to get the job done, allowing 11 hits and two walks in just 6.1 innings pitched. While his ERA of 7.11 is concerning, what has really hurt the Mets is the timing of his struggles. The Mets were already facing difficulties in other areas of the bullpen, and García’s inability to perform only exacerbated the situation. The Mets couldn’t afford to wait indefinitely for him to find his rhythm, especially given the team’s recent losing streak and the pressure to make necessary adjustments quickly.

García had shown some promise in spring training, posting five scoreless innings with three strikeouts, but the transition to the regular season has been a different story. His inability to produce the kind of consistency expected from a player with his experience and pedigree has raised doubts about his role with the team moving forward.

Joey Gerber Gets a Shot

With Luis García now designated for assignment, Joey Gerber will take his place in the Mets’ bullpen. Gerber, a 25-year-old right-hander, has limited major league experience but is coming off a solid stint with the Syracuse Mets in Triple-A. In his brief MLB career, Gerber holds a 3.60 ERA over 20 innings, showcasing his potential in a small sample size. Gerber will now get the chance to prove himself at the big league level, as the Mets look for answers in their bullpen.

Gerber’s arrival could be just what the Mets need to stabilize a bullpen that, while still ranked among the top units in the league with a 3.13 ERA, has struggled in recent games. The Mets will be hoping that Gerber’s potential will translate into meaningful contributions as they continue to adjust their roster in an effort to get back on track.

The Mets’ Bullpen Shakeup

This move, however, is part of a larger trend of changes within the Mets’ bullpen. The team has already made two significant roster moves in just two days, with Richard Lovelady also being designated for assignment and the addition of veteran closer Craig Kimbrel. These changes indicate that the Mets’ front office is not waiting around for players to find their form; instead, they are taking action to ensure that the bullpen is in the best possible shape for the remainder of the season.

Despite the recent struggles, the Mets’ bullpen remains one of the best in baseball, holding a 3.13 ERA, which still ranks among the top units in the league. However, recent struggles from key players have forced management to make aggressive changes. While pitchers like Brooks Raley, Huascar Brazobán, and Devin Williams have been excellent, others have faltered, prompting the reshuffling of the bullpen. With the team in need of consistent performance from its relief corps, the Mets are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to find the right combination of arms to help the team remain competitive.

Looking Ahead: The Mets’ Path Forward

The sudden departure of Luis García is a clear sign that the Mets are not content with mediocrity and are willing to make tough moves early in the season to ensure that their bullpen is ready for the challenges ahead. With Joey Gerber now in the mix, the Mets will be hoping for a quick adjustment from their new addition and will be watching closely to see if their bullpen can return to the form that helped the team compete at the highest level last season.

The 2026 MLB season is still young, but the Mets have already demonstrated that they are committed to making the necessary adjustments to stay competitive. Luis García’s DFA and Joey Gerber’s promotion are just the latest moves in a season that promises to be filled with further changes as the Mets work to find the right pieces to bolster their bullpen and give them the best chance at contention.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Mets’ bullpen to see if these changes lead to the desired results or if more roster moves are in the future. One thing is certain: the Mets are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their bullpen is firing on all cylinders, and this bold move is just the beginning.