New York Mets Send Catcher to Giants in Trade
It has been a quiet offseason for the New York Mets under first year president of baseball operations David Stearns.
His goal this year was to not commit major long-term contracts to players in free agency to give them more financial flexibility going forward when they view themselves as true contenders.
Stearns' strategy has culminated in them signing multiple veterans to fill out their starting rotation and looking for experienced bats to join their lineup.
Staying true to this, the Mets were able to flip catcher/outfielder Cooper Hummel to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash considerations as reported by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
New York previously claimed Hummel off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on Dec. 1, 2023, before deciding to designate him for assignment and ultimately trading him.
The 29-year-old was originally an 18th round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016.
He started off his career flashing potential as a hitter, slashing around the .250/.375/.410 mark with 29 home runs and 131 RBI during his three seasons at the High Single-A and Double-A levels.
Hummel made it to the Brewers' Triple-A affiliate before being traded in a package to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Eduardo Escobar.
He made his MLB debut in 2022 and played in 66 games, but struggled mightily at the plate with a slash line of .176/.274/.307, three home runs, 14 extra-base hits and 17 RBI.
The Diamondbacks then traded him in 2022 to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for 2020 AL Rookie of the Year winner, Kyle Lewis. The outfielder continued to struggle at the plate during his 10 games with the Mariners before they placed him on waivers.
After claiming him, the Mets were able to get some financial gain from the acquisition after moving him to the Giants.
This is not a splashy or important move by any means, but it continues to show the savviness of Stearns as he begins to rebuild this organization.
