In a surprising move that has left fans scratching their heads, the New York Mets have outrighted Ji Hwan Bae to Triple-A Syracuse, marking yet another twist in the team’s offseason roster shuffle. But here’s where it gets interesting: this decision, combined with the loss of Drew Romo to the White Sox via waivers, has trimmed the Mets’ 40-man roster down to 38 players. So, what does this mean for the team’s future? Let’s dive in.
Ji Hwan Bae, a 26-year-old infielder/outfielder, has never donned a Mets uniform. His journey to Queens began in November when the Mets claimed him off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he spent his entire career. Similarly, the Mets snagged Drew Romo from the Orioles in December. And this is the part most people miss: both moves seemed to be strategic, with the Mets likely planning to re-waive them later to retain them as non-roster depth. However, the plan backfired with Romo, who was scooped up by the White Sox, while Bae remains in the Mets’ system—at least for now.
Bae’s situation is particularly intriguing. This marks his first career outright assignment, and with less than three years of service time, he doesn’t have the option to elect free agency. Once a highly touted prospect with the Pirates, Bae hasn’t quite lived up to the hype in the majors. His offensive numbers in the big leagues—a .223/.294/.293 slash line over 514 plate appearances—leave much to be desired. However, his speed (37 stolen bases) and defensive versatility (experience at both middle infield spots and all three outfield positions) give him a solid floor as a utility player. In the minors, his bat has been a different story, boasting a .306/.390/.451 line and a 126 wRC+ from 2022 to 2025.
But here’s the controversial part: Is Bae worth holding onto? Some argue that his minor league success could translate to the majors with the right adjustments, while others believe his major league struggles are a red flag. Now that he’s cleared waivers, the Mets can keep him in the organization without him occupying a roster spot. If he earns his way back onto the 40-man roster, his remaining option and less than two years of service time make him a flexible, cost-effective asset. For a team looking to maximize depth without breaking the bank, Bae could be a hidden gem—or a missed opportunity.
With two open roster spots, the Mets have some breathing room as they navigate the remainder of the offseason. Will they make a splashy signing, or play it safe with internal options? What do you think? Is Ji Hwan Bae a smart investment for the Mets, or should they have cut ties while they could? Let us know in the comments!
