Mets' $1.75M Veteran Signing Deemed Early Regret as Newcomers Shine

New York designates Luis García for assignment after poor start, still owing him $1.75M this season.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Mets' offseason bullpen additions have produced mixed results, with newcomers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver shining while veteran Luis García struggles.NYC Today

The New York Mets made a notable offseason move by signing veteran reliever Luis García to a guaranteed $1.75 million contract. However, just two weeks into the season, the Mets have already designated García for assignment after he struggled mightily, allowing six runs in 5.1 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Mets' other new bullpen additions, Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, have performed well, highlighting García's early season struggles as a major regret for the team.

Why it matters

The Mets' decision to move on from García so quickly, despite owing him $1.75 million this season, shows how much the signing has become an early-season disappointment. It also underscores the importance of bullpen depth and performance, especially for a team with high expectations like the Mets.

The details

In five appearances this season, García allowed six runs (five earned) on 10 hits, with his average fastball velocity down by 3 mph from 2025. The Mets ultimately decided to designate him for assignment, parting ways with the veteran reliever despite the guaranteed money still owed to him.

  • On Sunday morning, the Mets designated Luis García for assignment.
  • García signed a guaranteed $1.75 million contract with the Mets this offseason.

The players

Luis García

A veteran right-handed reliever who the Mets signed to a guaranteed $1.75 million contract this offseason, but who struggled mightily in his first two weeks with the team.

Devin Williams

One of the Mets' new bullpen additions this offseason, who has performed well so far this season.

Luke Weaver

Another new Mets bullpen addition this offseason, who has also performed well to start the season.

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What they’re saying

“Barely two weeks into the season, the Mets designated veteran right-hander Luis García for assignment on Sunday. García was one of three relievers the team signed to guaranteed Major League contracts over the offseason, along with Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.”

— Anthony DiComo, MLB.com reporter

“The offseason changes the New York Mets made to their lineup and starting rotation generated most of the headlines, but the bullpen has a new look, too. Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, the big-name additions to the 'pen, have been mostly as advertised, but the same cannot be said about Luis Garcia, who has really struggled.”

— Zachary Rotman, FanSided writer

What’s next

The Mets will look to fill García's roster spot with another reliever, as they continue to build out their bullpen for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Mets' quick decision to move on from Luis García, despite owing him $1.75 million this season, highlights how much the signing has become an early-season regret for the team. It also underscores the importance of bullpen depth and performance, especially for a team with high expectations like the Mets.