The New York Mets have claimed Ji Hwan Bae off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. This acquisition adds a versatile young player to the Mets’ system and provides depth in the outfield.

Bae, 24, spent last season playing primarily in the outfield within the Pirates’ organization. While his career MLB numbers include a .586 OPS over 163 games, he showed significant promise at the minor league level, posting an .805 OPS in 67 Triple-A games last season. These numbers highlight his ability to produce offensively in the minors and suggest that, with the right development, he could become a valuable contributor at the major league level.

Originally signed by the Pirates, Bae has experience in multiple positions and has shown flashes of strong contact hitting and speed on the bases. His versatility in the field allows him to play multiple outfield spots, giving the Mets additional options as they look to strengthen their roster.

For the Mets, this move signals their intent to build organizational depth and potentially identify a high-upside player who could fill a role either as a utility outfielder or a situational bat. The front office will likely evaluate Bae’s fit during spring training and in early-season call-ups, giving him a chance to prove that his Triple-A success can translate to the majors.

While Bae’s MLB track record has been modest so far, the Mets are betting that his minor league performance and versatility can provide value and help the team both in the near term and as part of future roster planning.