The Mets are making waves this offseason as they focus on rebuilding and enhancing their roster. In the latest move, New York has signed left-handed pitcher Brandon Waddell to a one-year, minor league contract, marking their second signing of a veteran from the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) in just 24 hours. Waddell, who also pitched for the Chinese Professional Baseball League’s (CPBL) Rakuten Monkeys, is the second former Doosan Bear to join the Mets’ organization recently.
Waddell, a fifth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2015, last appeared in MLB action in 2021. The 30-year-old has played for four major league teams — the Pirates, Cardinals, Twins, and Orioles — before finding success abroad. After a stint with the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate in Memphis in 2022, Waddell signed with the KBO’s Doosan Bears, where he spent parts of three seasons. In 2023, he also made 14 starts for the Rakuten Monkeys in the CPBL.
During his time in the KBO, Waddell thrived, pitching to a 2.98 ERA across 43 starts while maintaining a 3.31 strikeout-to-walk ratio. In 2024, he demonstrated exceptional control, walking only 11 batters and giving up just three home runs across 75 innings while striking out 75. However, his season was cut short due to a rotator cuff injury that limited him to 14 starts.
The Mets are optimistic about Waddell’s ability to translate his overseas success back to MLB. He is expected to serve as a minor league starter or swingman, providing valuable depth to the organization. This signing reflects new Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns’ strategic approach of tapping into international markets for hidden gems, a trend noted in Thomas Henderson’s recent analysis of Jared Young.
While initial reports suggested Waddell’s deal was a major league contract, the terms were later clarified to confirm it as a minor league agreement. Regardless, the signing highlights the Mets’ proactive efforts to build a competitive roster while leaving room for potential upside.
As the Mets continue their offseason moves, Waddell’s acquisition underscores the team’s commitment to identifying talent that can contribute to their long-term success. If his performance in Asia is any indication, Waddell could prove to be a savvy addition to the Mets’ pitching depth as they aim for a successful 2024.
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