Mets’ Jefry Yan defends viral strikeout celebration after MLB debut

With the New York Mets hoping to believe in the future of the franchise, the team is looking to end the disappointing season on a high note, hopefully, as any positive energy is needed. As Mets relief pitcher Jefry Yan got his first strikeout in the 6-5 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, his celebration went viral as the 29-year-old gave insight into his thinking.

Speaking after the game, Yan would be asked about the moment in the bottom of the sixth inning where he struck out Angel Martinez, as afterward, he made a leap in the air and celebrated in exciting fashion. Due to the execution of the strikeout pitch, he credited that for his celebration.

“I went out there to attack him, and I was attacking and attacking, and once I had him at two strikes, I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to throw that slider, and if I freeze him,’ which is exactly what I did, I celebrated accordingly,” Yan said, through an interpreter.

"If I freeze him, which is exactly what I did, I celebrated accordingly."

Jefry Yan was asked to rate the execution of his first MLB strikeout celebration: pic.twitter.com/zKG2ihwLKY

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 6, 2026

Jefry Yan records his first career strikeout and has the celebration to match! pic.twitter.com/2aW0HdrViM

— MLB (@MLB) August 6, 2026

Yan would just pitch one inning in New York’s win over the Guardians on Thursday, recording a shutout frame with two strikeouts and allowing one walk and two hits. At any rate, the Mets have won two straight games, looking for a series sweep over Cleveland after losing three of four contests to the Miami Marlins.

Still a disappointing season overall, New York is currently at a 49-66 record, which puts them last in the NL East ahead of the aforementioned Thursday series finale against the Guardians. It also remains to be seen if Yan will have a celebration in his arsenal that will top Wednesday’s, but the main focus will be carving out a role in the bullpen after his standout debut for the Mets.

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