There are some baseball journeys, and then there’s Alex Carrillo’s. You probably have never heard of him until now, and you’re not alone. But that is what makes his story so special. From the corner of the independent leagues to the mound of Citi Field, Carrillo’s rise to the big league now with the New York Mets seems like something out of a movie.

The Mets just called up the 28-year-old righty, and when he steps onto the MLB field, it will be more than a debut—it will be an underdog story come to life. Let’s dive into who this guy is, how he throws at 100 mph, and why the Mets think he could be the game-changing gem.

Who Is Alex Carrillo? The Mets’ Newest Power Arm

Alex Carrillo is officially in the New York Mets now, and in blue and orange, it is hard for anyone to believe, because his journey has been anything but simple. A California native, Carrillo isn’t just a typical prospect. He started at Pima Community College in Arizona and later pitched for Faulkner University, which is an NAIA school in Alabama. So, it’s not like a pipeline way to the pros.

Even then, he found a way to impress others enough to get a taste of affiliated ball in 2019 with the Texas Rangers rookie team. That lasted 4⅓ innings before he was released. That could be at the end of the road, but Carrillo had other plans. Over the years, he went around the Venezuelan Winter League and the Mexican League, and he even pitched for indie teams like the Washington Wild Things and the New York Boulders. Quite the journey.

Now fast forward to 2025, and the New York Mets scouted him during winter ball in Venezuela. They loved what they saw and handed him a minor league deal. Sure, he didn’t get a spring training invite, but it didn’t really matter. Once the season started, he began mowing down the hitters in Double-A Binghamton with a 36.6% strikeout rate. Then, after a strong stretch, he earned his promotion to Triple-A Syracuse.

Why the Mets Have Called Him Up Now

Well, for starters, Alex Carrillo has been unhittable. Look at his Triple-A Syracuse stats—that would say it all. The guy is throwing 100 mph with a sinker, a cutter, a crazy changeup, and a slider. Plus, that sidearm motion makes him even harder to figure out. And while his stuff is electric, no doubt, the biggest reason he might be getting his shot now may be due to the timing. See, the Mets are in survival mode with their pitching staff.

New York Mets are already low on arms, and they lost two more key names to the injured list. Paul Blackburn, their starter, due to a shoulder issue, and Dedniel Nunez, their reliever, due to an elbow sprain, were added to the growing IL list. Nunez’s injury in particular is extremely concerning, and news about how he might need Tommy John surgery is making the rounds.

Plus, David Stearns did mention recently that every option is on the table. Right after Blackburn, the scheduled start in the Sunway Series was wiped. So maybe Carrillo’s promotion is not a reward but a necessity. The Mets are missing five of their top eight starters, and while Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga are inching back, they are not ready for it just yet. So this makes Carrillo’s electric arm a much-needed reinforcement. He will not fill a gap but rather give hope to a team that’s desperate to make it to the playoffs.

Meet Alex Carrillo’s Wife Danna Carrillo

Danna Carrillo is more than just the wife of New York Mets reliever Alex Carrillo. She is his biggest cheerleader, his best friend, and the heart of their young family of three. Just scroll through her Instagram, and one thing becomes clear—her life is all about her husband and son and, of course, baseball.

From celebrating the big league milestone to weathering the long road trips, she posts things that scream of the pride and joy she has. She also shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her everyday life. And when Alex takes the mound, you bet she watches wholeheartedly.

And she doesn’t hold back when it comes to celebrating her man either. On their anniversary, she posted a heartfelt message, “Happy Anniversary to the love of my life. I could write a book on our story, and someday I just may, but today I hope you know how immensely proud I am of the man you are. You exceed every expectation I had for a husband and father. You lead our family so well, and I am honored to be your wife. You & me against the world, babe, I love you!” This is the support system that every athlete dreams of.

Do Alex and Danna Carrillo Have Any Children?

Yes, the young couple are parents, and Danna’s social media makes it clear that their son is the light of her life. From carrying him through a hailstorm after an eye-watering 11-inning game to smiling in the stands with him at another ballpark, she wears motherhood like a badge of honor.

In fact, every other post shows how close-knit her family really is. Baseball might be a career, but for the Carrillos, family seems to be the foundation. Danna is not here just for the ride; she is part of the reason this journey of Carrillo feels so special. Through the ups and downs, through the leagues and now—she has been beside him, praying, loving, and cheering.

Alex Carrillo has already defined the odds. Now that he has arrived, he will be in a big league uniform and have a bullpen seat with the New York Mets.