Mets Reshape Roster with Waiver Claims, Trade

The New York Mets began reshaping their roster for the 2026 season on Thursday with a series of low-cost acquisitions off waivers and a minor trade, addressing depth needs in the outfield, infield and bullpen following their disappointing finish outside the playoffs in 2025.

In their most notable move, the Mets claimed 26-year-old utility player Ji Hwan Bae from the Pittsburgh Pirates, who had placed him on waivers earlier in the week to clear space on their 40-man roster. Bae, a native of Daegu, South Korea, brings speed and defensive flexibility to New York. He has experience across all three outfield positions, as well as second base and shortstop, in 163 major league games over four seasons with Pittsburgh. His career batting line stands at .223/.294/.293, with 37 stolen bases highlighting his base-running ability, which ranks in the 82nd percentile for sprint speed. Bae struggled at the plate in 2025, going 1-for-20 in 13 games for the Pirates, but he posted a stronger .805 on-base plus slugging percentage in Triple-A Indianapolis. Earlier in his career, he ranked as the Pirates' No. 13 prospect in 2023 and showed promise with a .231 average and 24 steals in 111 games that...