The New York Mets have designated catcher/designated hitter Cooper Hummel for assignment.
They'll now have seven days to trade him, release him, or send him to the minor leagues.
Per Anthony Dicomo of MLB.com:
The Mets have designated OF/C Cooper Hummel for assignment, per source. They had claimed Hummel off waivers in December, but now have a 40-man roster crunch due to multiple incoming players.
Hummel had been claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners and with the Mets going through a mini-rebuild, there was thought that he'd have some opportunity with the Mets. Now, he'll wait for his next move.
The 29-year-old switch-hitter was acquired in the 2023 offseason by the Mariners from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for former Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis.
He was supposed to give the M's lineup versatility and depth - and help them against left-handed pitching - but it never really materialized.
He played just 10 games for the M's in 2023, all at the beginning of the season. He hit just .087 for the year with no home runs and no RBI.
He fared better in the hitter-friendly PCL, hitting .262 with eight home runs and 47 RBI at Triple-A Tacoma. He had 27 doubles and six triples as well.
Given his Triple-A numbers, you'd have to imagine he will get an opportunity in 2024, but it could very well be another minor league opportunity.
He'll have to get out of DFA limbo first before he can figure that out.
The Mets finished fourth in the National League East a season ago.
More must-reads: