Daniel Duarte, a reliever recently called up by the New York Mets, is anticipating an increased role in the coming weeks as the team navigates potential trade deadline departures. With established bullpen arms like Luke Weaver and Brooks Raley widely expected to be traded by the Aug. 3 deadline, Duarte is focused on making the most of his opportunities.
Duarte, 29, has yet to allow a run in 11 1/3 innings this season. He joined the Mets in December on a minor league deal and has quietly been effective in his major league appearances. Across seven games, he has recorded 11 strikeouts against just two walks, maintaining a 0.00 ERA. Duarte credits his cutter as a key pitch in his current success and is prioritizing staying healthy after dealing with elbow injuries in recent years.
He recently exercised his upward mobility clause in May, signaling his readiness for a larger role. "Just focus on every opportunity that I have, especially with one [minor league] option remaining," Duarte told The Post. "We’ll see if I’m still here by the end of the season or not. But you know, take advantage of every opportunity and get in good shape for next year."
The upcoming period is expected to bring significant changes to the Mets' bullpen. A.J. Minter was traded to the Twins on Thursday for infield prospects Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick. Weaver and Raley, who have both had strong seasons, are also seen as potential trade targets for contending teams.
This potential exodus of key relievers could lead to more innings for Duarte, along with pitchers Huascar Brazobán and Cionel Pérez. Interim manager Andy Green acknowledged the difficult nature of the trade deadline period for players but emphasized the importance of continuing to play meaningful games. "Nobody wants to be on this side of a trade deadline," Green said. "It’s where we find ourselves at this moment. That also doesn’t mean that there’s not a lot of meaningful games to be played before the season ends."
Duarte also spoke about the camaraderie within the Mets bullpen, describing his teammates as family. "We spend like 10 hours a day with these guys," he said. "It’s like family, and when this [players being traded] happens, it’s tough. But every change is for good, so we’re good with that." He added that the bullpen culture is one of mutual support, regardless of individual performance.