Luis Guillorme, a name known to many baseball fans, especially followers of the New York Mets. However, the recent news of his split from the Mets and subsequent affiliation with the Atlanta Braves has left many in a state of surprise.
You could say so, Guillorme said at his locker at Truist Park before the Mets defeated his Braves, 8-7. I have been there for so long. It’s just weird not being there. Especially getting that call you’re not coming back — it’s justweird.
During his tenure with the Mets, Guillorme played 54 games and produced a .224/.288/.327 slash line, backing up at second base, shortstop, and third base. However, his appearances were limited to only three games in September following a right calf strain, which signaled the beginning of the end of his time with the Mets.
The decision to non-tender Guillorme was not made on a whim. A change in leadership and strategic decisions played a significant role. The Mets were looking for a fresh face to fill the role Guillorme once commanded, and they found it in Joey Wendle, who they signed on a one-year contract worth $2 million.
After being non-tendered by the Mets, Guillorme received a one-year deal worth $1.1 million from the Braves. The transition was not easy for Guillorme. Having been with the Mets for the past six years, Guillorme had grown accustomed to the team, the players, and the environment. Adjusting to a new team was a challenge, but Guillorme faced it head-on.
The past 11 years of my life I have known one thing and one thing only, said Guillorme, And for the past six years I have been in the big leagues for the team, the same guys around me, same places. There is still an adjustment. It’s early on.
While Guillorme was adjusting to his new team, the Mets were also making changes. They selected Cole Sulser from Triple-A Syracuse to provide a fresh bullpen arm, filling the void left by Guillorme. This move was necessary as the Mets needed coverage in the bullpen with Julio Teheran set to start for the first time this season.
In a touching tribute, the Braves celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hank Aaron hitting homer No. 715 to break Babe Ruth’s all-time record. Fans carrying cutout displays numbered 1-715 aligned the field. Aaron, who finished his career with 755 homers, had hit 45 of them in 188 games against the Mets.
