Mets Claim Starting Pitcher; DFA Utility Man After Brief Stint In Organization

The New York Mets have had a relatively quiet offseason despite missing the playoffs by a substantial margin in 2023.

The club has made a few moves to retool the rotation and bullpen, along with signing prospects and a Gold Glove outfielder.

One player picked up by the Mets this winter likely will not be playing for the organization next season after being designated for assignment to make room for some starting pitching depth.

The Mets announced Friday that they have designated utility man Cooper Hummel for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for right-hander Max Kranick.

Kranick has a career 5.56 ERA across just 11 appearances in the big leagues between 2021-2022 and made just nine starts at the Triple-A level in his return from Tommy John surgery. 

Hummel was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners earlier this winter but has been pushed to the side to make room for Kranick, who was just claimed from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Hummel batted .166 with 15 extra-base hits including 3 home runs, 17 RBIs and .550 OPS in 76 games played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle from 2022-2023.

The 29-year-old's promising .262/.409/.435 slash line for Triple-A Tacoma last season likely has something to do with the Mets claiming him earlier this offseason, but it seems that won't be enough for him to stay -- unless he clears waivers.

Hopefully, the latest additions will aid the Mets' efforts to have a better 2024 season. There's still time left for the club to make some moves.

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