The New York Mets' major headline of the day was signing Bo Bichette to play third base. New York already has a crowded infield, but they are taking a chance on a former Pittsburgh Pirates prospect.
The Mets claimed Taiwanese shortstop and second baseman Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Cheng was designated for assignment by the Pirates after their trade for second baseman Brandon Lowe.
The 24-year-old made his Major League debut with the Pirates in 2025, going hitless in seven plate appearances. The Mets had an open spot on their 40-man roster and do not need to make a corresponding move.
Cheng's path to playing time with the Mets
As noted, the Mets have a surplus of infielders at the Major League level. With Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Francisco Lindor, and Marcus Semien as the starting unit, Cheng's opportunity for playing time with the Mets past spring training might require an injury to a bench bat.
Mark Vientos, Luisangel Acuña, Ronny Mauricio, and Brett Baty are all players who could be moved before or during spring training. Simply, there may not be enough spots on the Opening Day roster for all four.
Cheng fared poorly against Triple-A pitching last season, hitting.209/.307/.271 with one home run and 99 strikeouts in 397 plate appearances.
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