Eric Wagaman and Jared Young, drafted two rounds apart in 2017, both contributed to the Mets’ 4-2 victory over the Reds.
Wagaman hit a solo home run, while Young delivered a single and later scored. The Mets’ win ended a five-game losing streak.
DH Duo Contribute to Mets Win
Wagaman went 1-for-2 with a home run. The homer travelled 415-feet off Reds’ left-handed starter Andrew Abbott in the second inning.
Young, pinch-hitting against righty Zach Maxwell, singled in the seventh and scored on Carson Benge’s two-out hit. The game was played in front of 33,453 fans at Citi Field.
Polanco’s Potential Return
Jorge Polanco, currently on the injured list with an Achilles issue, could soon return and resume DH duties. He started a rehab assignment at Double-A Binghamton and went 1-for-2 with a single and a run scored.
Polanco’s return could happen in June. However, in a worst-case scenario, he might require surgery and be shut down.
Wagaman and Young as a Platoon
While the Mets await Polanco’s status, Wagaman and Young could platoon at DH. Wagaman had a .283/.321/.462 slash line with five home runs in 173 at-bats against lefties for the Marlins last season. Young is 8-for-22 with two doubles against righties this year.
Wagaman previously played for the Marlins and Twins. The Mets picked him up off waivers from Minnesota last month.
Young debuted for Chicago in 2022 and later spent time with the Cardinals organisation. Before joining the Mets as a free agent in December 2024, he played in Korea.
Wagaman was drafted in the 13th round by the Yankees, while Young was selected in the 15th round by the Cubs. Wagaman was taken by the Angels in the Rule 5 draft in 2023 and debuted with Los Angeles in 2024 before being traded to Miami.
Wagaman’s Past Performance Against Mets
Wagaman has history against the Mets. He doubled off Ryne Stanek last season to break a scoreless tie, leading the Marlins to a 4-0 victory that eliminated the Mets from playoff contention.
While the Mets wait and see on Polanco, Wagaman and Young could platoon and provide a lift.