BREAKING: Mets confirms trade for veteran infielder
When the Mets called up Mark Vientos from Triple-A Syracuse, they released utility infielder Joey Wendle, leaving themselves without a legitimate backup infielder. To address this, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns traded for Pablo Reyes from the Red Sox for cash considerations. Reyes provides the Mets with insurance for when they need a middle infielder.
On Saturday, the Mets suffered their 22nd loss in 31 games, falling to the San Francisco Giants 7-2 at Citi Field. Edwin Díaz blew another save in the ninth inning, allowing the Giants to tie the game before they scored five runs in the 10th to secure the win. However, Reyes isn’t necessarily the first choice for a call-up, as the Mets have better options in Triple-A Syracuse, where Reyes is expected to report.
The Mets acquired veteran infielder Pablo Reyes from the Red Sox for cash. Reyes had been playing at Triple-A.
In the Mets organization, he offers insurance for a team that will inevitably have to call up a backup infielder — Jose Iglesias has been raking — at some point.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 25, 2024
One of those options is José Iglesias, who has earned high praise from Syracuse manager Dick Scott, referring to him as a “magician.” In 38 games, the former All-Star is batting .295/.331/.483 with seven home runs, seven doubles, and 28 RBIs.
“If the Mets need him some time, he certainly could go up there,” Scott recently told NJ Advance Media. “Anything hit at him, he catches — it’s an out. He has magical hands. This guy is crazy good with his hands. He’s catching balls in between hops, weird hops, (and) short hops. He’s a magician out there.”
Mets trade for veteran infielder | Where does he fit in roster? https://t.co/Twg5LmxRs8
— SIAdvance (@siadvance) May 26, 2024
Reyes has mostly played in Triple-A this season but did see some time in the majors. In 21 games with the Red Sox, he batted .183 with a .451 OPS, but he offers defensive versatility, having played every position across the diamond, even pitching.
In five games with Triple-A Worcester, Reyes went 6-for-13 (.462 average) with a home run and four RBIs. Reyes does not have any options left on his contract.