The Mets announced the club is calling up Jared Young and Brandon Waddell from Triple-A Syracuse. Both were already on the 40-man roster prior to their call-up and were teammates in the KBO last season with the Doosan Bears.
In a corresponding move, Génesis Cabrerea and José Azocar have been designated for assignment.
Jared Young. Photo Credit: Kylie Richelle
Young — who signed with the Mets last offseason as a depth option — was having a strong season in the minors. In 22 games, the 29-year-old was slashing .259/.371/.506 with five homers and 12 walks. Young also has 49 homers the last three Triple-A seasons combined between the Cardinals, Cubs, and now Mets systems. Young’s last major league at-bat came October 1, 2023, with the Cubs.
The native Canadian gives the Mets another versatile option around the infield. Young has primarily played left field (10 games) in Syracuse, but also has logged two games at first base, one game at second, five games at third, and five games in right field. He’ll be able to slot in where Carlos Mendoza needs him.
On the pitching side, Waddell begins his second stint in Queens this season. The right-hander made an appearance out the ‘pen April 30 against the D-backs, where he pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings with four punchouts.
Meanwhile, the Azocar era in Queens lasted only 12 games. The former Padre was the definition of solid while in a Mets uniform, posting a .350 OBP and .278 batting average, but was log-jammed on a roster filled with outfielders. Azocar’s tenure in Queens could be prolonged if he clears waivers and goes back to Syracuse.
Cabrera was also solid for the Mets in his stint in Queens. The lefty provided much-needed help after A.J. Minter and Danny Young were lost for the season, pitching to a 3.52 ERA with seven strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. Like Azocar, he could stay in the organization if he clears waivers and reports back to Syracuse.
