The Mets have made a strategic move with left-hander Brandon Waddell, assigning him outright to Triple-A. This decision comes after Waddell's recent performance in the majors and his previous experience in the KBO league. Waddell, 31, made a comeback to the MLB this year, pitching 31 1/3 innings with a 3.45 ERA and 4.54 FIP. However, his peripherals, including a 16.4% strikeout rate and a 37.4% ground ball rate, indicate room for improvement. Waddell's time in the KBO with the Doosan Bears was more promising, boasting a 2.98 ERA and a 21.1% strikeout rate. Despite his recent performance, Waddell's future with the Mets remains uncertain. With the pitching staff's uncertain state, injuries could potentially bring him back to the MLB roster. However, the team's potential rotation additions and the depth of young pitchers like Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat might limit Waddell's opportunities. The Mets' strategy for 2026 will be crucial in determining Waddell's role, with the possibility of him becoming a valuable non-roster depth piece alongside Robert Stock.
