2026 Transactions: Mets Promote Lavender & Yan, Strahm & Soler DFA’d

With the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline done, August 4 marked the day when teams had to make en masse changes. For the sellers, like the Mets & Angels, it included bringing up new bodies to replace the traded ones. And for some teams, demotions to clear roster space, plus some DFA’s.

Mets add relievers

The Mets selected the contract of left-hander Nate Lavender and also promoted Jefry Yan, who was added to the 40-man roster earlier in the year.

As we noted in our Minor League coverage this year, the two lefties were among the most effective swing-and-miss pitchers in the Minors this season. Yan can touch triple digits and struck out 77 over 41 innings this season.

Lavender, meanwhile, was a former Rule 5 pick who was returned by the Rays last year. He struck out 70 over 43 innings down in the Minors.

Additionally, the Mets selected Cristian Pache from Triple-A.

Strahm, Soler among DFA’s

Matt Strahm and Jorge Soler were among the notable players who were designated for assignment on August 4.

Strahm, acquired by the Royals in the offseason, was far from stellar this season. The left-hander allowed 12 home runs over 35.2 IP, as part of a season where he posted a 7.32 ERA for Kansas City.

As for Soler, he’s a former 30-home run hitter who was acquired by the Angels nearly two years ago from Atlanta. However, his .291 on-base percentage was among the bottom-15 of the league (min. 325 PA), part of a season where he hit 12 home runs and batted .203/

Additionally, Ben Bowden (Athletics), Chuckie Robinson (Dodgers), Bryce Conley (Mets), and Stuart Fairchild (Guardians) were also DFA’d.

Recalls & options

Jose Cuas (Royals), Cade Povich (Orioles), Cesar Prieto (Cardinals), and Yerry De los Santos (Yankees)

Noah Murdock (Pirates), Eddy Yean (Nationals), Romy Gonzalez (Red Sox), Brandon Sproat (Brewers), Anthony Volpe (Yankees), Edgar Quero (White Sox), Lazaro Estrada (Blue Jays), Jonah Cox (Giants), Gabriel Rincones Jr. (Phillies), Kyle Backhus (Phillies), Quinn Mathews (Cardinals), Max Muncy (Athletics), Carlos Duran (Royals), Jasson Dominguez (Yankees), Franco Aleman (Guardians), Kendry Rojas (Twins), Jhonny Pereda (Mariners), Eliezer Alfonzo (Dodgers), Angel Chivilli (Yankees), Nolan Hoffman (Royals), Garrett Stallings (Brewers), and Codi Heuer (Orioles) were optioned.

Other moves

Atlanta re-signed pitcher Elieser Hernandez to a Minor League deal.

Washington selected outfielder Andrew Pinckney from Triple-A Rochester. Blake Weiman and Shaun Anderson were both selected by the Angels.

The Red Sox designated Rule 5 Draft pick Ryan Watson for assignment.

Cody Laweryson (Twins), Rob Refsnyder & Mitch Garver (Mariners) were released.

Andre Granillo (Tigers), Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang (Athletics), Kevin Herget (Mets). MJ Melendez (Mets)