New York Mets Release Pitcher Alex Carrillo Ahead of Boston Red Sox Series

New York Mets released right-hander Alex Carrillo on July 10, just before facing the Boston Red Sox at Citi Field, as the team sinks to 40-57 and 14th in the National League.

What happened with Alex Carrillo?

Carrillo, 29, was designated for assignment on Tuesday and cleared waivers, leading to his release. He made only three MLB appearances for the Mets in 2023, allowing seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. This season in Triple-A Syracuse, he posted a 5.57 ERA over 21 outings, striking out 31 but walking 26 in 21 innings. He hadn’t pitched since late June.

Why did the Mets cut him now?

The Mets are deep in a rebuilding phase, with a 40-57 record and no playoff hope. Carrillo’s high walk rate and lack of recent performance made him expendable. His fastball touches the high-90s, but his control issues and long absence from the mound raised concerns. The team prioritized roster flexibility over developmental depth.

What’s the impact on the bullpen?

Carrillo’s departure leaves the Mets’ bullpen thinner as they face a tough stretch. He was a depth option, not a contributor, but his release signals a shift toward evaluating younger arms. Guillo Zuniga was outrighted to Syracuse the same day, showing the Mets are trimming non-core relievers ahead of the trade deadline.

What comes next for Carrillo?

Carrillo, who played for Team Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, may sign overseas. His heater and slider combination could thrive in Japan or Korea, where pitchers with high velocity but control flaws often find success. He signed his first MLB deal with Texas in 2019 and spent time in independent leagues before joining the Mets.

How are the Mets performing overall?

The New York Mets lost 2-3 to the Boston Red Sox on July 12, extending their recent slide. They’re 12 games behind Miami for the final Wild Card spot and 15 games behind Atlanta in the NL East. After losing Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz last winter, their roster changes have yet to yield results.

What’s the outlook for the rest of the season?

With a three-game losing streak and no clear path to contention, the Mets are likely to trade veterans before August. Their focus is on evaluating prospects like the teenage pitching prospect acquired from Oakland. Carrillo’s release is a small step in a larger reset.