NEW YORK, July 11 (Reuters) — The New York Mets outrighted pitcher Chris Hacopian to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday. The move reshapes the organization’s pitching depth ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. Hacopian, 24, was designated for assignment last week after posting a 4.91 ERA across 18 appearances in relief this season. He cleared waivers.
The outright removes Hacopian from the 40-man roster. He retains his minor league contract but forfeits his major league service time accumulation. The Mets now control his rights through Triple-A without occupying a restricted spot. The decision mirrors the club’s parallel move with right-hander Matt Seelinger, who was also outrighted to Syracuse on the same date, per NBC Sports.
Seelinger, 26, had a 5.40 ERA in 12 innings for the Mets this year. Both pitchers now compete for a future call-up. The Mets currently carry 14 pitchers on their active roster, with Jacob deGrom and Kodai Senga anchoring a rotation that ranks 12th in the National League by ERA (4.12).
The outright assignments signal a shift in roster management. General Manager David Stearns is prioritizing flexibility. By clearing two 40-man spots, the Mets can pursue waiver claims or add prospects before the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.
Hacopian’s move also connects to college talent pipelines. Texas A&M’s 2026 MLB Draft class, tracked by Yahoo Sports, includes infielder Gavin Grahovac. Grahovac, a sophomore, posted a .342 batting average and 18 home runs this spring. He is projected as a first-round pick. The Mets hold the 14th overall selection in the 2026 draft, per MLB Pipeline.
Grahovac’s development is closely watched by MLB scouts. KBTX reported on July 11 that he is preparing for the draft with a focus on exit velocity and plate discipline. The Mets have historically drafted power hitters from SEC programs, including third baseman Brett Baty (first round, 2019).
Comparing Hacopian and Seelinger reveals tactical differences:
| Player | Age | 2026 MLB ERA | Service Time | Waiver Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Hacopian | 24 | 4.91 | 0 years, 58 days | Cleared |
| Matt Seelinger | 26 | 5.40 | 1 year, 12 days | Cleared |
Seelinger had more service time, making his outright more surprising. The Mets risked losing him on waivers. Neither player was claimed, reflecting limited league-wide demand for middle-inning relievers with declining metrics. Hacopian’s fastball averaged 94.2 mph this season, down from 95.8 mph in 2025, per Statcast.
Fan reactions on X were mixed. Some questioned the front office’s commitment to young arms. Others noted the roster crunch caused by returning injured starters, including David Peterson (hip) and Tylor Megill (shoulder). Analyst Mike Puma of the New York Post called the moves “a necessary recalibration for a team that needs roster spots for July trades.”
The Mets’ 2027 rotation outlook includes Senga, deGrom, and free agent target Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Triple-A arms like Hacopian and Seelinger provide depth but are unlikely to break camp with the big club. The team’s 40-man roster currently sits at 38 players.
Key dates ahead: Waiver trade deadline (Aug. 1, 2026), fall instructional league (September), and spring training 2027 (February). The Mets will likely add two to three prospects from their 2026 draft class, possibly including a college pitcher from Texas A&M’s 2028 class or a prep arm from the Southwest.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why was Chris Hacopian outrighted to Triple-A?
- A: Chris Hacopian was outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse after posting a 4.91 ERA in 18 relief appearances this season. He cleared waivers, and the move removes him from the Mets’ 40-man roster to free up a spot for potential waiver claims or prospect additions before the trade deadline.
- Q: How does Hacopian’s outright affect the Mets’ pitching depth?
- A: The outright removes Hacopian from the major league roster but retains his minor league contract. Along with Matt Seelinger’s similar move, it opens two 40-man spots, allowing the Mets to pursue waiver claims or add prospects, reshaping their pitching depth and future flexibility.
- Q: What does this move mean for Hacopian’s future with the Mets?
- A: Hacopian remains under Mets control through Triple-A Syracuse but forfeits major league service time accumulation. He now competes with Seelinger for a future call-up, contingent on performance and roster needs.
- Q: How does this connect to the Mets’ trade deadline strategy?
- A: General Manager David Stearns is prioritizing roster flexibility. Clearing 40-man spots positions the Mets to make waiver claims or add prospects before the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, signaling a shift toward long-term asset management.
Extended Reading
For further detail on the Seelinger outright, refer to NBC Sports’ July 11 coverage. For Texas A&M’s 2026 draft tracker, see Yahoo Sports. For Grahovac’s draft preparation, consult KBTX’s July 11 report.