Mets Outright Ji Hwan Bae: What It Means for Roster

This article takes a look at the New York Mets’ decision to outright Ji Hwan Bae to Triple-A Syracuse. It’s a roster move that speaks to both short-term flexibility and some longer-term depth planning.

Bae hasn’t played a game for the Mets yet. Still, his path through waivers, flashes in the minors, and a bit of untapped upside make him an interesting piece in the Mets’ broader roster puzzle.

Mets Make a Calculated Roster Move

The Mets quietly trimmed their 40-man roster by outrighting Ji Hwan Bae to Triple-A Syracuse. That move brought the roster count down to 38.

It came right after the club lost catcher Drew Romo to the Chicago White Sox on waivers. The transactions happened close together, but the outcomes were totally different.

The front office wanted to sneak both Bae and Romo through waivers, hoping to keep them as non-roster depth. That plan worked only halfway.

Romo got claimed, but Bae cleared waivers. So, the Mets kept him in the system without burning a 40-man spot.

Why Clearing Waivers Matters

For a team dealing with injuries, prospects, and new signings, flexibility’s everything. Now, with Bae off the 40-man, the Mets can stash him as depth without needing to shuffle the roster again.

Ji Hwan Bae’s Journey So Far

Bae, 26, hasn’t suited up for the Mets in a regular game yet. The team claimed him off waivers from the Pirates back in November, a low-risk move to boost depth.

This is the first outright of Bae’s career. Since he’s got less than three years of MLB service, he can’t choose free agency right now.

Bae was once a notable prospect in Pittsburgh’s system, but his big-league numbers have been modest. Over four seasons, he logged 514 plate appearances and put up a .223/.294/.293 slash line.

The bat hasn’t really popped, but his speed jumps out—he stole 37 bases in that stretch.

Speed and Versatility Still Play

Even when the offense isn’t there, Bae’s athleticism shows up. Speed and defensive flexibility can keep a guy around in the big leagues, or at least on the radar.

Defensive Versatility Adds Value

Bae’s biggest selling point is probably his ability to play all over the field. He’s spent time at:

In the 2025 season, Bae played only in the outfield. That shift might boost his value as a modern utility guy who can cover multiple spots or fill in during injuries.

Minor-League Production Tells a Different Story

His MLB numbers don’t stand out, but Bae’s minor-league track record is a lot brighter. From 2022 to 2025, he hit .306/.390/.451 across 1,152 plate appearances, with a strong 126 wRC+.

That kind of production hints at some untapped offensive potential, especially when you mix in his speed and defensive range. The trick, as always, is whether he can bring that success up to the big leagues.

A Low-Cost, High-Upside Depth Piece

Bae’s got less than two years of service and still has option years left. He’s an affordable, controllable piece for the Mets—maybe not flashy, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

What This Means for the Mets Going Forward

The Mets outrighted Bae to Triple-A. That move keeps their roster flexible and lets them hold onto a player who might still help out.

If the big-league club runs into injuries or someone slumps, Bae could get another shot. He’s got a clear path back to the majors.

Depth really matters in today’s game, doesn’t it? Ji Hwan Bae isn’t a headline guy, but his speed and versatility—plus that minor-league track record—make him worth keeping around.

 
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