The Mexican reliever, born in Sonora, signed a minor league contract with the Mets after overcoming elbow surgery and excelling with the Cañeros de los Mochis in the Mexican Pacific League. At 29 years of age, the pitcher is living a key moment in his career, as his arrival in New York brings him closer to his long-awaited return to the Major Leagues.
Daniel Duarte, a Mexican arm who does not give up on his dream of pitching in the Major Leagues
The career of Daniel Duarte is an example of perseverance. After making his MLB debut in 2022 with the Cincinnati Reds, his path took him through organizations such as the Texas Rangers and the Minnesota Twins. Although his time in the Major Leagues has been brief, his numbers reflect solidity: a 3.99 ERA in 38.1 innings, with the ability to compete at the highest level when health is on his side.
What happened to Daniel Duarte?
2024 represented one of the biggest challenges of his career. Elbow surgery forced him to stop almost completely, raising doubts about his future. However, Duarte used the rehabilitation process to return with greater focus, which did not go unnoticed by the New York team.
Why did the Mets sign Daniel Duarte?
His participation with the Cañeros de Los Mochis was decisive. In the Mexican Pacific League, Duarte had an impeccable performance: 20 appearances without allowing earned runs. This dominance, coupled with his previous experience in MLB, aroused the interest of the Mets, an organization known for betting on talent with projection and low risk.
In previous stages, Duarte showed a fastball close to 96 mph and a high ability to induce ground balls, with rates close to 50 percent of ground balls at his best. That profile fits well into the plan of the Mets, who are looking for smart depth for their bullpen.
A real opportunity in the New York bullpen for Daniel Duarte
The agreement with the Metsincludes an invitation to spring training, a key showcase to prove that his arm is ready. In New York, he is not seen as an immediate closer, but as a reliable option to respond when inevitable injuries or mid-season adjustments come.
If Duarte can keep control, throw strikes and repeat the level he showed in winter, he could become a useful piece on the roster during the summer. For a reliever, that consistency often makes the difference between staying in the minors or making the leap.
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