Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Ex-Red Sox Infielder Officially Getting Another Shot In Big Leagues With Surprising Mets
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The New York Mets made a handful of moves Wednesday as the club attempts to figure out its next step this season.
New York arguably was the biggest seller ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline. The Mets not only dealt three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer but also fellow future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. On top of dealing the two star hurlers, New York also traded away outfielders Mark Canha and Tommy Pham.
Because of the multitude of trades, the Mets certainly were busy Wednesday and made four separate moves, including adding former Boston Red Sox infielder Jonathan Araúz to the big league roster, according to the club.
"(Infielder) Jonathan Araúz has been selected to the major league roster," the Mets said. "(Right-handed pitcher) Phil Bickford has been added to the active roster. (Catcher) Michael Pérez has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. (Right-handed pitcher) Vinny Nittoli has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse."
Araúz is an intriguing option to have at the big league level. He likely won't be much more than a depth piece, but is just 25 years old and can play all over the diamond. Araúz has seen time at second base, shortstop, and third base throughout his brief big-league career and has shown some upside. The young infielder impressed at the minor league level this season after being taken in the Rule 5 Draft from the Baltimore Orioles. In 95 games with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets Araúz slashed .244/.344/.429 to go along with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs.
The 25-year-old made his big league debut at just 20 years old as a member of the Red Sox during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. Araúz appeared in 59 games for the Red Sox across three seasons and slashed .204/.280/.320 to go along with four home runs and 18 RBIs.
He likely will get a solid opportunity with the big league club the rest of the season, hopefully, he can carry over his minor league momentum and take a step forward.
