The Mets added to their roster on Thursday, claiming INF/OF Ji Hwan Bae off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates and LHP Jose Castillooff waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.
Bae, 26, originally signed with the Pirates as an international free agent infielder in March 2018.
Once considered a Top-15 prospect for Pittsburgh, Bae never really capitalized on his chances in the majors during his time with the Pirates.
After debuting and playing a handful of games in 2022, Bae played 11 games in 2023, posting a .608 OPS with two home runs, 17 doubles, 32 RBI, and 24 stolen bases. He then played just 20 games in 2024 and 13 games at the major league level in 2025, appearing solely as an outfielder when taking the field.
Bae, whose sprint speed ranks in the 82nd percentile, according to Baseball Savant, has put up good numbers in the minors, though. In 2024, Bae had a .945 OPS with 86 hits in 67 games, and he posted an .800 OPS with 82 hits in 73 games this past season.
Castillo returns to the Mets after appearing in 16 games with the club in 2025. Castillo pitched well during his time in Queens, posting a 2.35 ERA, but he was eventually placed on waivers and claimed by the Seattle Mariners before making his way to the Orioles.
Additionally, infielder Nick Madrigalhas elected free agency.
The veteran infielder was fighting for a spot on the Mets’ Opening Day roster last spring before suffering a fractured left shoulder.
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