The Mets claimed infielder Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the Rays, per announcements from both clubs. Tampa Bay designated Cheng for assignment last week. New York had open 40-man space and thus doesn’t need to make a corresponding roster move at this time.
Cheng, 24, made his big league debut with the Pirates in 2025 but went hitless in seven plate appearances. He didn’t fare all that well in Triple-A last year either, hitting just .207/.305/.267 with one homer, 12 doubles and three triples in 410 turns at the plate. However, Cheng is a plus runner who swiped 20 bags despite that paltry OBP, and he’s also a capable defender at shortstop, second base and third base. The 5’8″ lefty swinger also has an excellent eye at the plate, evidenced by a career 12.5% walk rate in the minors.
Pittsburgh designated Cheng for assignment last month. The Rays added him via waivers recently but designated him again upon acquiring lefty Ken Waldichuk. Cheng still has a minor league option year remaining, so he adds some fleet-footed depth that can play decent defense at multiple positions while providing quality plate discipline. There’s no guarantee he sticks with the Mets all the way through spring training, but for now he can provide some cover in the event of injuries or the trade of a young infielder such as Mark Vientos, Luisangel Acuña or Ronny Mauricio.
Nice pickup.
I miss the old Jeep Comanche. Simpler times.
He is absolutely horrendous. I don’t know why you would think this is a nice pick up.
You will be devastated to hear that they released him.
No they didn’t. DFA is not releasing.
Game changer.
But in all seriousness depth is always needed and appreciated. Most likely not, probably Stearns being Stearns, but this could be the precursor to an incoming trade.
“Most likely not, probably Stearns being Stearns, but this could be the precursor to an incoming trade”
Stearns doesn’t make trades?
They better get someone else before the trade because Cheng isn’t replacing anyone unless they can greatly improve him.
Trade?
Yes Cheng was the missing piece and now they can move forward with trade.
Thats a fun name to say
Ya, I heard a cash register.
Much like Bae; Cheng has raw speed
The problem with both players is their inability to get on base enough to make their speed effective
Yep. Yet another washout. Maybe the Mets can develop him
if not, Cheng can always go to Japan as most Pirates washouts do
Not a washout. There hasn’t been any point in time professionally that they were ever thought of becoming anything by anyone who knows anything other than glove speed depth.
Point is, there were Pirates fans who looked at this kid and a number of others as guys who would be legitimate MLB players who could lead the Pirates out of the wilderness. Unfortunately, no position player coming through the farm has done so in the past six years. Call it what you like. I call it “wash out”
Stupid fans
Yeah. Ok. Sure
Dollar Tree David. The only reason we got Bichette was because Cohen was mad that we missed out on Tucker so to appease the fanbase he forced Stearns to pay up for Bichette
I miss the KFC triple crunch zinger
That’s probably one of the smartest things I’ve read all day. You hit the nail right on the head, my man.
Dollar Tree David when he offered Tucker 4/$220 million and just signed Bichette to a massive deal. I realize you’re a troll but please try harder to be more entertaining. C’mon, put your back into it!
Jose Siri 2.0
Name sounds like somebody threw silverware down a flight of stairs.
Talons of Tsung-Che..
Show me where in the rule book it says you can’t play 9 infielders.
And that was probably one of the dumbest things I read all day
Can he play quarterback? Trade him to the Raiders.
It was a “tongue in cheek” offer
One of the many bucs prospects that forgot how to hit the last couple of years. Teams must think they can correct the poor coaching
The kid has a great glove at multiple positions and runs the bases really well. I could see him being useful as a sort-term bench fill-in.
Maybe on an AAA team.
Yes, my friend, that’s an apt description of numerous young guys who come up through the Pirates farm but when they get to the bigs, just can’t seem to hit. But like others who’ve come and gone I hope someone can turn him around.
Good luck with the Mets Cheng. Pingtung is a great place so hopefully you can also be great.
After signing Bichette this will fill their 40 man roster. They still need 2 OFs, a SP and more bullpen. Expect some trades to go down for sure and some dfa’s