Matt Seelinger’s Return to Baseball

Matt Seelinger is back home. The pitcher from Westbury, Louisiana, was called up by the Mets on Tuesday after being traded from the Tigers in exchange for cash. During this season, he pitched 39⅓ innings with Triple-A Toledo, racking up a 3.89 ERA along with 49 strikeouts and 19 walks.

Seelinger, who has spent most of his career in the minors, has also played for the Pirates, Rays, Giants, and Phillies. Tonight, he could likely make his debut as a reliever in the majors.

Before the game, the 31-year-old reflected on the significance of this moment, especially given how close he is to his childhood home. “It’s a whirlwind,” he said. “Honestly, it’s a dream scenario for me. I grew up about 20 minutes away, and I used to come here to watch games as a kid.”

He reminisced, “I was throwing yesterday and thought, ‘I’ve sat there for games and even watched the New York Rangers Winter Classic from those same seats, plus I’ve attended the Home Run Derby here, too.’ I couldn’t be more grateful to the Mets for this chance.”

This isn’t Seelinger’s first return home for baseball. In 2024, he pitched in 21 games with the Long Island Ducks. Since that time, he’s gone on to pitch in 31 games with the Tigers’ Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo.

He mentioned that he’ll have plenty of familiar faces in the stands, joking, “I think all of Long Island will be here.”

Even though he has deep knowledge of Mets history, he admits his childhood loyalty was elsewhere. “Well, I hate to say it, but I’ve been a Yankees fan since I was little. I know, I know. And don’t get me started on the heartbreak from the Mets in 2006. Oh, and 2007, 2008… let’s not discuss that year, but I know all about it, including 2015, of course.”

For Seelinger, watching baseball in this city has been a significant part of his life. “It was thrilling to witness the city’s excitement, especially during the World Series runs. I’ll never forget moments like Pete Alonso’s home run and Lindor’s grand slam… as a passionate baseball fan, those memories are something I hold dearly.”

A standout moment in his career was striking out Juan Soto during an exhibition game at the 2026 World Baseball Classic earlier this year. Now, as teammates, both players are pursuing their dreams in the big leagues.