Daniel Duarte is a right-handed reliever from Huatabampo, Sonora, Mexico, who has been quietly building one of the more compelling bullpen stories in the big leagues. Since his MLB debut on April 8, 2022, the 29-year-old has grown into a dependable arm — and in 2026, he’s been flat-out dominant for the New York Mets.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Daniel Duarte
- Position: Pitcher (Relief)
- Team: New York Mets
- Number: 54
- Bats / Throws: Right / Right
- Height / Weight: 6’0″ / 236 lbs
- Born: December 4, 1996 (age 29)
- Hometown: Huatabampo, Mexico 🇲🇽
- MLB Debut: April 8, 2022
Background
Duarte grew up in Huatabampo, Sonora — a small city in northwestern Mexico with a proud baseball tradition. Like many Mexican prospects, his path to the majors ran through years of work in the minor leagues before he finally got his shot at the big-league level. When he debuted in April 2022, it was a milestone moment for him and a point of pride for Mexican baseball fans following his journey.
Professional Career
Duarte has suited up for several organizations since breaking into the majors. In 2023 with the Cincinnati Reds, he posted a 3.69 ERA with 3 wins and 23 strikeouts across 31.2 innings, proving he could hold his own as a reliable bullpen piece. The following year with the Minnesota Twins, his opportunities were limited — just 4.0 innings — but he made the most of them, finishing with a 2.25 ERA and a sharp 0.75 WHIP.
Now in New York, Duarte has taken things to another level. Through 13.1 innings in 2026, he’s carrying a 1.35 ERA, a 0.75 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts — numbers that put him among the most effective relievers in the game right now.
Career Stats at a Glance
- 2026 – New York Mets: 1.35 ERA | 0-0 | 12 K | 0.75 WHIP | 13.1 IP
- 2024 – Minnesota Twins: 2.25 ERA | 1-0 | 3 K | 0.75 WHIP | 4.0 IP
- 2023 – Cincinnati Reds: 3.69 ERA | 3-0 | 23 K | 1.39 WHIP | 31.2 IP
Awards and Recognition
Duarte hasn’t picked up any major individual hardware yet — no MVP, no Gold Glove — but his 2026 performance has analysts and fans paying close attention. If he keeps this up, individual recognition won’t be far off.
Worth Knowing
Duarte is part of a growing wave of Mexican pitchers making a sustained impact in the majors. His success in New York isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a reflection of how deep and competitive Mexican baseball development has become. When a kid from Huatabampo is posting a 1.35 ERA in the big leagues, the whole country notices.
