New York Mets Place Multiple Players on Waivers as Offseason Begins

The New York Mets are clearing the decks to make offseason moves as six players on the 40-man roster head for waivers.

The New York Mets placed six players on waivers on Friday in an effort to clear space on its 40-man roster, per MLB.com.

The six players on waivers are left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay, right-handed pitcher Vinny Nittoli, catcher Michael Pérez, outfielder Rafael Ortega, infielder Jonathan Araúz and infielder Danny Mendick.

If the players clear waivers, they can become free agents.

With David Stearns taking over as the new president of baseball operations, he and his new staff are likely paving the way for potential free-agent acquisitions. But they could also be clearing space for prospects they may need to protect from the Rule V Draft in December.

Kay pitched in three games for the Mets in 2023, throwing 3.1 innings and finishing with a 5.40 ERA. He also made 13 appearances for the Chicago Cubs.

Nittoli made three appearances for the Mets and wasn’t involved in a decision. He had a 2.45 ERA, as he struck out five and walked three.

Pérez appeared in just three games for the Mets in 2023, managing four hits in eight plate appearances with a double.

Ortega played in 47 games for the Mets last season, as he batted .219. He had three doubles, one home run and eight RBI.

Araúz played in 27 games for the Mets and finished with a .136 batting average. He did hit three home runs and drove in nine in just 59 at-bats.

Mendick played in 35 games and had 65 at-bats for the Mets, as he finished with a .242 batting average. He had three doubles, a home run and four RBI for the season.