The New York Mets are taking a chance on a former second-round pick. 

On Thursday, the Mets announced they designated outfielder Cristian Pache for assignment to make room for the new addition. 

Taking Pache's spot on the 40-man roster is infielder/outfielder Kyren Paris, who was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. 

Paris, 24, went hitless with eight strikeouts and three walks in 18 plate appearances for the Angels in 2026. 

He has a .147/.238/.272 slash line with seven home runs and an elevated 38% strikeout rate in 263 career plate appearances. 

Paris fared better between Double-A and Triple-A in 2026, hitting .274/.384/.458 with 13 homers and a .843 OPS. 

"This was Paris’ final minor league option season. He’ll either need to break camp or be placed back on waivers at some point before Opening Day," Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors wrote. 

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"The latter outcome is more likely, and there’s a decent chance the Mets will attempt to sneak him through waivers during the offseason," he added. 

The Mets are intrigued by Paris' Triple-A numbers, and he's certainly shown his speed on the basepaths and on the field. 

Still, Paris will need a very strong spring training to earn a bench spot for Opening Day. 

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