Just a few weeks ago, it appeared the New York Mets would be one of the biggest sellers at this year’s trade deadline, but then they started winning.
The blue and orange have won eight out of their last nine games and turned their season around for the time being. The Mets have climbed back into the wild-card race and sit just one game back of the final spot despite being two games under .500 (36-38). With the blue and orange back in the race, the Mets decided to add some depth via the waiver wire.
The Mets have claimed Duke Ellis off waivers
According to Tim Healey of Newsday, the Mets have claimed outfielder Duke Ellis off waivers from the Chicago White Sox and assigned him to Double-A Binghamton. The White Sox designated the 26-year-old for assignment earlier this week.
Ellis made his major league debut earlier this season but went hitless in four at-bats across eight appearances. The Louisiana native did show off his best skill as Ellis went 4-for-4 on stolen base attempts.
In 41 games between the Double-A and Triple-A level in the White Sox’s system, Eliis slashed .250/.329/.297 with one home run and 12 RBIs while stealing 34 bags. Across four seasons in the minor leagues, the Louisiana native has stolen 117 bases.
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Could Ellis make his way back to the major leagues
The Mets’ outfield room is extremely crowded, not to mention Trayce Thompson and Ben Gamel, awaiting their opportunities in Triple-A.
The blue and orange could trade a couple of outfielders at the deadline if the organization decides to waive the white flag on the 2024 campaign, but cracking the big league roster would still be challenging.
Ellis’ only path to the Mets roster would be as a pinch-runner specialist, and that likely wouldn’t occur until September, when the blue and orange can carry 28 players instead of 26.
