New York Mets
· 2026-07-09
New York Mets designated right‑hander Guillo Zuñiga for assignment on Tuesday, clearing a 40‑man roster slot for recent acquisition Matt Seelinger just before the team opened a series against the Kansas City Royals. The move came after Zuñiga’s lone appearance for the club, a 4.79 ERA over 18 career games, and follows a 6-2 victory over the Royals on July 8, 2026.
The Mets needed to add a fresh arm to a bullpen that has struggled all season. Zuñiga, 27, made his Mets debut only a day earlier and was quickly removed to make room for Seelinger, a right‑hander acquired from the minors. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the designation was a strategic roster tweak, not a reflection of Zuñiga’s talent. The Mets hope Seelinger can provide more depth as they battle through a tough stretch.
Designating Zuñiga opens a spot on the 40‑man roster, allowing the Mets to keep Seelinger without exposing another player to waivers. If another club claims Zuñiga, New York could lose him entirely; otherwise, he may be outrighted to Triple‑A. The bullpen now features Seelinger alongside established arms like Edwin Díaz and Trevor Megill, giving manager Buck Showalter more options in late‑inning situations.
As of July 9, 2026, the Mets sit 13th in the National League with a 39‑54 record, riding a one‑game winning streak after the 6‑2 win over Kansas City. The club is still last in the NL East, but the recent victory shows they can capitalize on home‑field advantage at Citi Field. Their last ten games record sits at 4‑6, and they have struggled on the road, winning just 19 of 43 home contests.
The Royals series continues on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Mets hoping Seelinger can contribute immediately. After Kansas City, New York hosts the Boston Red Sox on Friday, a chance to test the revamped bullpen against a strong lineup. If Seelinger performs, he could become a regular fixture, while Zuñiga’s future hangs in the balance of waiver claims.
Every roster decision matters for a club fighting at the bottom of the standings. Adding Seelinger could stabilize the late innings, potentially turning close losses into wins. The Mets still have a long way to climb, but strategic moves like this show a willingness to adjust quickly. Fans will be watching Seelinger’s debut closely, hoping he can help the team snap its losing streak and climb out of 13th place.
Buck Showalter, the Mets’ manager, and GM Billy Eppler orchestrated the roster shuffle. Their focus remains on improving the pitching staff while maintaining depth across the roster. The decision also reflects input from the scouting department, which identified Seelinger as a low‑risk, high‑reward addition.
The Mets’ next steps will hinge on how Seelinger adapts and whether Zuñiga finds a new home. Either way, the move underscores the urgency felt in Queens as the club strives to end a disappointing season.