The New York Mets have officially moved to strengthen their infield options by claiming utility player Kyren Paris off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. To accommodate the addition on their 40-man roster, New York designated outfielder Cristian Pache for assignment. Pache appeared in 15 games for the Mets last season, but the organization has decided to prioritize Paris’s defensive versatility and recent offensive uptick.
New York bets on Paris’s Triple-A surge to bolster infield depth
Paris, who is set to turn 25 in November, has spent his entire four-year career in Los Angeles, slashing .147/.238/.272 in a super utility role across 88 career games. While his major league numbers have been modest, his recent performance at the Triple-A level suggests a potential breakout. In 62 games for the Angels’ top minor league affiliate last season, Paris slashed .307/.427/.554 with a .981 OPS, showcasing significant improvements in both power and speed with 31 extra-base hits.
The 24-year-old offers the Mets a flexible defensive asset, having played second base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions. Although he is best suited for the infield defensively, his ability to cover multiple positions makes him a valuable reserve. Paris’s 0.8 WAR as a reserve player last year, combined with his seven stolen bases and 20 runs scored, indicates he can contribute immediately as a bench player while the Mets continue to evaluate their roster construction for the upcoming season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
