The Mets have added another pitching depth piece, acquiring Minor League right-hander Matt Seelinger from the Tigers for cash considerations. The move gives New York a pitcher with strikeout ability and a long track record in the Minors, even though he has not yet reached the big leagues.
Seelinger, 31, is a Westbury, N.Y. native who has spent nine Minor League seasons across several organizations. According to www.mlb.com, he owns a 3.33 ERA and a 12.0 K/9 rate in that span.
What Seelinger brings to the Mets
At Triple-A Toledo this season, Seelinger posted a 3.89 ERA in 39 1/3 innings over 27 appearances. He struck out 49 batters and walked 19, showing a profile built more on miss bats than overpowering velocity.
| Metric | 2024 Triple-A Toledo | Career Minor Leagues |
|---|---|---|
| ERA | 3.89 | 3.33 |
| Innings | 39 1/3 | N/A |
| Appearances | 27 | N/A |
| Strikeouts | 49 | 12.0 K/9 |
| Walks | 19 | N/A |
His mix includes a four-seamer that averages 92.4 mph and accounts for about half his pitches, along with a mid-80s cutter and a low-80s knuckle curve. That breaking pitch has been especially effective this year, limiting hitters to a .138 average and a .207 slugging percentage.
A journeyman path with no MLB debut yet
Seelinger was originally drafted by the Pirates in the 28th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He has also spent time in the Rays’, Giants’ and Phillies’ systems while continuing to work toward his first major league appearance.
For Detroit, the trade brings back cash considerations, while New York gets an experienced Minor League arm with a strong strikeout history and a local background. The Mets are betting that Seelinger’s experience and pitch mix can add organizational depth as he continues his push for a big-league opportunity.
