The New York Mets are promoting reliever Jefry Yan from Triple-A Syracuse to fill a vacancy in their bullpen. Yan, 29, has gained attention for his distinctive strikeout celebrations, which involve leaping into the air and landing in a split. This move comes after the Mets traded away four veteran relievers at the trade deadline.
Yan has demonstrated a high strikeout rate in the minors this season, posting a 43.5 percent strikeout rate through 35 appearances. His 18.6% swinging-strike rate would rank among the best in Major League Baseball, according to available data. However, his command has been a challenge, reflected in a 15.8 percent walk rate.
He signed with the Angels as a teenager from the Dominican Republic in 2014 and underwent Tommy John surgery in 2016, returning to pitch in 2021. Yan has since been part of the minor league systems for the Marlins and Rockies, played in Japan in 2024, and joined the Mets organization this season. He has split his 2026 time between Double-A Binghamton and Syracuse.
Yan told MLB.com in February that his energetic demeanor and celebrations are a reflection of his enjoyment of the game. "Honestly, a lot of people laugh, and many tell me, ‘You outdid yourself, you made me go viral,’ but they know that I enjoy what I do. I don’t disrespect them, the team, nor the fans," he said. "I’ve always been like this. I’ve always been a very energetic, cheerful kind of guy who likes to have fun in the game and enjoy the moment."
Yan's promotion is expected to provide innings for a bullpen that has seen significant changes with the departure of veterans like Brooks Raley and Luke Weaver.