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 default 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.
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?
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
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
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.
Can he play quarterback? Trade him to the Raiders.
It was a “tongue in cheek” offer