The Mets had to make a roster move to add the newly acquired Jesse Winker to the 26-man roster, and outfielder D.J. Stewart proved to be the odd man out.
Stewart was officially optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday morning, while Winker, who will wear No. 3, was activated. Additionally, the Mets transferred Kodai Senga to the 60-day IL to clear space for Winker on the 40-man roster.
While the 30-year-old Stewart had some big moments for the Mets in 2023, when he belted 11 home runs and had an .840 OPS, this season has been a slog for the outfielder. Stewart has slashed just .172/.326/.298 in 71 games and his power numbers are down considerably, as he has hit just five home runs in 187 plate appearances (two more plate appearances that he had all of last season).
As for Winker, he spoke to reporters inside of his new home clubhouse on Sunday morning, saying he can’t wait to play for his new club, whom he knows very well.
“Once I found out that I was coming here, I was extremely excited. It’s such a great team,” Winker said. “They’ve been playing so well. Obviously, I’ve been in the opposing dugout, and so I’m just excited to be a part of it.”
“I can’t say enough amazing things about this team,” he added. “Having to compete against them has been such a challenge every season, so it’s cool to be in this clubhouse.”
Manager Carlos Mendoza said that while he wouldn’t call Winker an everyday player, he said the veteran is “going to get a lot of opportunities, especially against right-handed pitching,” with Winker having the potential to play either corner outfield spot, as well as being a DH and pinch-hitting option.
“Big move,” Mendoza said. “Obviously, a lefty bat. We’ve seen it a lot obviously when we play the Nationals and the at-bats and the way he controls the strike zone, the power. He’s going to help.”