MACK - HOT ARMS - Matt Seelinger, Carlos Guzman, Josbel Torrez

 

PERIOD:  7/16 – 7/25

 

Matt Seelinger/AAA-Syracuse –

    1.20-WHIP, 3.1-IP, 5-K, 3-BB, 0.00

Matt Seelinger is a 31-year-old right-handed relief pitcher (born April 19, 1995, in Westbury, NY) for the New York Mets organization.

He stands 6'3" and weighs 190 lbs.

He is a Long Island native who attended W.T. Clarke High School and played college baseball at Division III Farmingdale State College.

Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 28th round (838th overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft — the first player from Farmingdale State ever selected.

Bounced around organizations (Pirates → Rays → Giants → Phillies) via trades, releases, and minor-league deals.

Spent 2024 with the independent Atlantic League’s Long Island Ducks (hometown team), posting a dominant 0.44 ERA in 21 games with 31 strikeouts in 20.2 IP. The Detroit Tigers purchased his contract mid-2024.

Excelled in the Tigers system (especially Triple-A Toledo) with strong strikeout rates. In 2026 with Toledo, he had a 3.89 ERA in 39.1 IP (swing/long relief role), 49 K, and 19 BB.

Traded to the Mets for cash considerations on July 6, 2026 (he had an upward mobility clause). Promoted to the majors the next day for his MLB debut at Citi Field — a feel-good homecoming story.

Minor-league career (through 2026): 23-16 record, ~3.30 ERA, strong K rates (over 12 K/9 in many seasons), mostly in relief.

Seelinger is a three-pitch reliever with solid velocity for a depth arm and some unique deception.

Four-seam Fastball (FF): ~38-48% usage, averages ~92-93 mph (sits 92.4-92.8). Decent carry/rise; generates swings-and-misses and fly balls. Straight but effective when elevated.

Cutter (FC): ~42% usage, ~86 mph. High whiff rate, heavy sink, good horizontal movement. One of his better swing-and-miss pitches.

Knuckle Curve / "Knuckle Drop" or "Knuckle Puck" (KC/CU): ~19-26% usage, ~80-81 mph. His signature pitch — a unique, low-spin offering (often 1,300-1,700 rpm, can vary widely) with a custom grip (modified four-seam grip with bent fingers). It blends curveball, splitter, and sometimes screwball traits: significant downward "drop" (negative vertical movement, e.g., -5 to -12 inches), variable shape, and tunneling potential off the fastball. High whiff rates and low opponent production in the minors. Coined/perfected on Long Island.

He tunnels his pitches well (fastball and breaking ball often look similar out of the hand) and has shown above-average swinging-strike ability in the minors, though command can be inconsistent (elevated walk rates at times).

Overall Profile: Classic journeyman/late-bloomer reliever with a standout homemade pitch. Strong strikeout stuff in Triple-A but raw results in his brief MLB look.

 

Carlos Guzman/AA-Binghamton –

    2.10-WHIP, 3.1-IP, 5-K, 2-BB, 0.00

Carlos Guzman (full name: Carlos Alberto Guzmán) is a right-handed relief pitcher (primarily) in the New York Mets organization.

Born May 16, 1998 (age 28), in Maracay, Venezuela, he stands 6'1" and weighs 210 lbs.

He throws right-handed  

Signed by the Detroit Tigers as an international free agent in 2015 (age 16).

Spent time in the Tigers system, reached High-A as a starter in 2022 (9-6, 4.16 ERA in 25 starts for West Michigan).

Traded to the Chicago Cubs in March 2023 for INF/OF Zach McKinstry.

Signed as a minor-league free agent by the Mets in November 2023 (and re-signed later).

Has pitched mostly in relief at upper levels since joining the Mets, with stints at Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. He has also played in the Venezuelan Winter League (Tigres de Aragua).

As of 2026, he remains a depth reliever in the Mets system (not on the 40-man roster), bouncing between AA/AAA. He has not yet debuted in MLB.

He is a hard-throwing righty who has transitioned from starting to relief. He has shown flashes of effectiveness in the upper minors but has not broken through to the majors yet.

4-Seam Fastball: 92-95 mph (primary pitch).

Changeup: 83-85 mph.

Cutter: 88-90 mph.

Slider: 83-86 mph.

This is a four-pitch mix suited for relief work, with the fastball providing velocity and the offspeed/breaking pitches offering separation. He has generated strikeouts (around 9-10 K/9 in recent upper-minors seasons) but can be hittable at times, especially in AAA.

Guzman is a classic minor-league depth arm with a solid but not elite repertoire. He could provide bullpen help for the Mets if he refines command and consistency, but he is not currently a top prospect.

 

Josbel Torrez/DSLB –

    1.40-WHIP, 5.0-IP, 5-K, BB, ER, 1.80

Josbel Rafael Torrez is a 19-year-old right-handed pitching prospect in the New York Mets organization.

Born: April 5, 2007, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.

Height/Weight: 6'1", 180 lbs.

Bats/Throws: Right/Right.

The Mets signed him as an international free agent to a minor league contract on May 6, 2026. He was assigned to the DSL Mets Orange (Dominican Summer League) shortly after.

He has shown some strikeout ability in limited innings but has also allowed some hard contact/walks, which is common for a teenage pitcher adjusting to pro ball.

Torrez is a very new, low-level prospect with limited public scouting reports available right now. At 19 and pitching in the DSL, he is in the earliest stages of his career.