Mets make trade with Giants for reliever Justin Garza

Manhattan NY — The New York Mets moved swiftly to add pitching depth ahead of a crucial summer stretch, acquiring right-handed reliever Justin Garza from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash considerations on Saturday. The low-risk move aims to shore up the Mets’ organizational bullpen options amid a competitive National League East race.

The 31-year-old Garza, a former eighth-round pick by Cleveland in 2015, brings a mix of experience and untapped potential to the Mets’ system. Key aspects of his career include: Over 38 big-league appearances with Cleveland (2021) and Boston (2023), Garza owns a 5.74 ERA. His best stretch came in 2021 with a 4.71 ERA and 22.7% strikeout rate, though command issues (14.1% walk rate) plagued him . With Triple-A Sacramento this year, Garza posted a 6.11 ERA in 19 appearances. Underlying metrics, however, show promise: a 26.0% strikeout rate and improved 7.8% walk rate—his best command numbers in years . Garza relies on a four-pitch mix: a fastball, cutter, slider, and changeup, offering versatility for matchup-specific roles

Why the Mets Made the Move

New York’s bullpen, while effective overall, faces pressure from injuries and workload: With relievers like Danny Young and A.J. Minter sidelined earlier this season, the Mets saw firsthand how quickly bullpen stability can erode . Garza joins non-roster veterans Colin Poche and Oliver Ortega as Triple-A insurance.The Mets have excelled at revitalizing arms (e.g., José Castillo, who tossed six shutout innings after a May acquisition). Garza’s improved strikeout-to-walk ratio suggests he could thrive in a new environment .Acquiring Garza required no 40-man roster move or prospect capital—only cash. He’ll report to Triple-A Syracuse initially .

The Giants promoted a prospect to Triple-A recently, creating a surplus. Garza, on a minor-league deal, became expendable . Despite flashes of dominance (478 minor-league strikeouts in 474 innings since 2016), Garza’s 2025 ERA and history of hard contact made him a sell-low candidate .

What’s Next for Garza and the Mets?

Garza will immediately join Syracuse, where the Mets hope a move away from the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League—and into their pitcher development system—can unlock consistency. If he harnesses his 2025 command gains, a MLB debut for New York is

doubling down on experienced depth . As the team gears up for pivotal series against Atlanta and Philadelphia later this month, these under-the-radar additions could prove vital in weathering the marathon of an MLB season.

Final Analysis This isn’t a blockbuster, but it’s savvy roster management. For the Mets, Garza represents a no-cost flier with tangible upside. For the Giants, it’s capitalizing on depth. In a long season, such moves often separate contenders from pretenders.