Jefry Yan's celebration in NY Mets debut was over-the-top, unnecessary, but fun

You won't forget him now.
Aug 8, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; A New York Mets hat and glove in the dugout in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; A New York Mets hat and glove in the dugout in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Jefry Yan is with the New York Mets? They signed him last summer to a minor league deal. He never got into a game. So when he stepped onto the mound to finish off Tuesday’s game against Team Nicaragua, you weren’t alone when you questioned when he got here. He’s not even mentioned on FanGraphs’ Roster Resource.

A well-traveled lefty who throws hard and has spent more time in Double-A than any other level, he’s a Mets project the team is trying to tame. He has averaged more than 6 walks per 9 at all levels with a 12.3 K/9 rate trying to justify it.

Yan’s abilities weren’t what came into question in his spring debut. His celebration after all 3 strikeouts is what caused some controversy.

Did Jefry Yan go too far having fun in his Mets spring debut?

Strikeout number one came with a runner on first. Strikeouts two and three occurred with runners at first and second. Both players got on base via single which set the stage a little differently for Yan who didn’t have a perfect inning.

Many fans didn’t appreciate the energy.

Others found a way to appreciate it.

Another offered a more rational piece of advice.

If there was ever a time to just have fun with baseball, the preseason is it. When you’re 29 like Yan with no MLB experience, you’re hanging around for the love of the game and not the dollars. MLB teams vs. WBC clubs is an exhibition within an exhibition. You should be enthusiastic.

Still, Mets fans couldn’t help but make the connection to Edwin Diaz who got hurt celebrating in the 2023 WBC. Yan's eccentric reaction to all 3 strikeouts was definitely a little much. To end an inning? Sure. To do it with no one on base? You're stretching it but okay.

Lightyears don’t even describe the difference in importance between 2023 Diaz and 2026 Yan. He’ll be lucky to spend significant time in Triple-A let alone make it to the majors. Potentially even a spring roster cut, his electric and fun energy is what baseball on March 3 should be about.

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