The New York Mets are planning to promote outfield prospect Nick Morabito from Triple A, according to league sources. This decision comes as the Mets intend to designate outfielder Austin Slater for assignment. The New York Post first reported the decision.
Morabito is already on the 40-man roster. He would replace Slater on the active roster.
Morabito’s Performance and Potential Role
In 175 plate appearances at Triple A this season, Morabito has a .755 OPS, with four home runs and 14 stolen bases. He performed well in the Arizona Fall League after last season, posting a .914 OPS in 80 plate appearances. He was eligible for the Rule 5 draft in the offseason before the Mets put him on the 40-man roster.
The scope of Morabito’s role is unclear but the expectation is that he will at least play against some left-handed pitchers. It could be a decent time for Morabito to get at least a taste of the majors.
A Homecoming for the Young Prospect
Joining the team in Washington, D.C., would be a homecoming for Morabito, who was drafted in the second round out of Gonzaga College High in 2022. Morabito is the Mets’ No. 10 prospect.
Current Mets Outfield Situation
The Mets’ outfield already features Juan Soto, A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge. The Mets called up Ewing last week. Over his first 25 plate appearances, Ewing owns a .500 on-base percentage. Benge won a job out of spring training and, after a slow start, has a .853 OPS in May.
With lefty prospect Zach Thornton set to pitch in Wednesday’s game, the Mets needed to eventually clear a 40-man roster spot.
After their wild win over the Washington Nationals on Monday, the Mets planned to designate outfielder Austin Slater for assignment, league sources confirmed.
Mets Recent Performance
Over the last week or so, New York (21-26) has played its best baseball of the season, winning six of their last seven games.