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The New York Mets had an open spot on their 40-man roster and have decided to make use of it.
On Thursday, they claimed Ji Hwan Bae off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, who had designated him for assignment last week. The move was reported by MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.
Bae is a 26-year old outfielder (who also has experience playing second base).
In 2025, Bae played in just 13 games for the Pirates and was 1-for-20 at the plate. He did have an .805 OPS at Triple-A this season.
Bae has appeared in parts of four MLB seasons for the Pirates.
He saw his most time in 2023, appearing in 111 games and batting .231 with 17 doubles, two triples, two homers and 24 stolen bases.
He's a career .223 hitter at the MLB level with just a .586 OPS.
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Bae is from Daegu, South Korea. He signed with the Atlanta Braves in 2017 before their international signing rules violations led to his release into free agency.
The Pirates got Bae in the spring of 2018 and have developed him through the system since then.
The Mets are likely looking for as many centerfield options as they can get in the organization. It's one of their main weak spots, and Bae can run the ball down in the outfield.
If New York can unlock his hitting stroke at all, maybe he can find a way to stick around.
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