Jesse Winker, an outfielder, is purportedly acquired by the Mets from the Nationals.
Jesse Winker, an outfielder, was acquired by the New York Mets from the Washington Nationals, the organization announced on Sunday morning.
On Saturday night in St. Louis, Winker was listed in the Nationals starting lineup; however, he was taken out of the game after three at-bats. Pitching prospect Tyler Stuart is being sent back to the Nationals by the Mets in exchange. Stuart, a 2022 sixth-round selection, has made 17 starts in Double-A so far this season and has a 3.96 ERA.
The 30-year-old Winker is enjoying a fantastic comeback season following a terrible 2023 season with Milwaukee. With 18 doubles, 11 home runs, 45 RBI, 51 runs, and 14 stolen bases, his slugging percentage is.257/.374,.419. He had posted 2.0 WAR before the game on Saturday began. He has a -0.9 WAR over the last two seasons combined.
Throughout his career, the product of New York has hit well against the Mets, with a slashline of.283/.392/.453 over 125 plate appearances.
Right fielder Tyrone Taylor and Jeff McNeil form a platoon for the Mets right now, while Brandon Nimmo plays left and Harrison Bader covers center. With McNeil back at second base, Winker might take over in right field, relegating Jose Iglesias to a utility backup position. After suffering a knee injury in late June, Starling Marte announced last week that he anticipates starting a running program soon, though he has not set a timeline for his return.
Since Francisco Lindor is a switch hitter and McNeil and Nimmo are the only lefties on the Mets who start games on a regular basis, Winker provides another left-handed bat for the team.
The Mets are now 55-49, good for the third wild-card berth, but they are only half a game behind the top two spots and only half a game ahead of the Diamondbacks, who are on the outside looking in, following their loss on Saturday.
Jesse winker to the Mets in exchange for Stuart, a RHP prospect
The Nationals have had success trading experienced players whose contracts are about to expire during the Trade Deadline since 2021.
Jesse Winker, an outfielder, rose to prominence as a trade candidate after signing a Minor League contract with the Nats, making the Opening Day roster, and having a strong season.
Winker was involved in a trade to the Mets on Saturday night, during the Nationals’ 14-3 victory over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The deal went official on Sunday morning and sent right-handed pitching prospect Tyler Stuart to the Nats.
After being selected in the sixth round of the 2022 draft, 6-foot-9 Stuart has quickly progressed through the Mets’ system. He towers over hitters. This season, he has made 17 starts for Double-A Binghamton and is 3-7 with a 3.96 ERA. He has been especially good lately, though, with a 2.00 ERA in his last 5 appearances. Stuart led Minor League Baseball with a 2.20 ERA last season, mostly for High-A Brooklyn. According to MLB Pipeline, he started the season as New York’s No. 17 prospect.
Winker, who turns 31 on August 17, is an eight-year MLB veteran who batted.257 in 101 games with a.793 OPS, 18 doubles, 11 home runs, 45 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. After hitting just.199 in 61 games with the Brewers the previous season, he put up a solid showing.
Winker exclaimed, “I’m excited.” “I’m going to join the outstanding group that has been having a lot of success. It’s a fantastic chance. And of course, I want to say how grateful I am to each and every one of you. I’m incredibly appreciative of [general manager Mike Rizzo], [manager Dave Martinez], and everyone else for giving me the chance to come play every day.
“I think I owe them a lot because they really took a chance on me,” the speaker said. Thus, I’m appreciative.
Martinez remarked, “His routine, his preparation—he came here to play every day, and it showed.” “He performed admirably for us. Right up until he plays us, I wish him luck. He will be missed. That’s the energy he brings every day. I adored him, he’s a great child and a pleasure to be around.
We are aware of his wounds. He played pretty well for us and was healthy for the most part.
Out of Spring Training, Winker was awarded the starting position in left field, which he maintained until July 1st, when James Wood—who MLB Pipeline ranks as baseball’s No. 2 overall prospect—made his debut. Winker was hitting in the No. 3 spot on Saturday after switching to the designated hitter position. Winker, a Reds 2021 All-Star, accepted the position of seasoned team captain with the Nationals.
“I’ve never really experienced an MLB Trade Deadline where I might have been involved,” Winker remarked. “Obviously, after Harvey was traded, I realized that I might have potential as well. However, you never know. This game is full of uncertainties. I just made an effort to focus and work. However, as the Deadline approached, I began to become increasingly conscious that it might actually happen.
Although we eventually got it out, compartmentalization wasn’t that simple. I’m learning a lot from it, and it’s helpful to just kind of remember that there are a lot of things outside our control.
On September 16, the Nationals visit Citi Field to play the Mets.
Regarding the Nats, Winker remarked, “There are a lot of really good pitchers here.” “All I want is for them to be gentle with me.”
