Veteran reliever Luis Garcia's 2026 season has taken another turn, as the New York Mets released the 39-year-old right-hander on Tuesday. This move follows a weekend designation for assignment, likely sending the well-traveled pitcher back to free agency.

Garcia's stint in Queens was brief and challenging. In six appearances this season, he posted a 7.11 ERA over 6.1 innings, a stark contrast to his effective 2025 campaign. His journey to the Mets began with a one-year, $1.75 million deal this past offseason, a contract that included incentives potentially boosting its value to $3 million.

The 2025 season showcased Garcia's resilience. After a surprising mid-season release from the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he had a 5.27 ERA in 28 games, he quickly rebounded. He signed with the Washington Nationals and was dominant, posting a stellar 0.90 ERA over 10 innings. He carried that form into a subsequent stint with the Los Angeles Angels, finishing the year with a 2.00 ERA across 18 innings for Anaheim.

His initial time with the Dodgers was less smooth, hampered in part by a right adductor strain. His final appearance in Dodger blue came in a tough outing against the Kansas City Royals, where he allowed three earned runs and was unable to complete the seventh inning.

If this marks the end of his major league journey, Garcia will close the book on a 14-season career that featured a 4.11 ERA and 17 saves, a testament to the longevity and perseverance required to compete at the highest level of the game.