The New York Mets have made a relatively quiet addition to their pitching staff, claiming 26-year-old right-hander off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.
The move comes at an important point in the season as the Mets prepare for their upcoming series against the San Francisco Giants. New York appears to be adding depth to its pitching group while looking for additional options down the stretch.
Weston was recently designated for assignment by Baltimore after making his Major League debut earlier this season. The Orioles selected him in the eighth round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of Michigan, and he eventually earned his first opportunity in the majors in May.
His debut showed some of the potential that made him an intriguing pitching prospect. Weston delivered a scoreless inning against the Toronto Blue Jays and recorded his first Major League strikeout, getting Andrés Giménez to swing through a sweeper. He also induced a double play to finish the inning.
However, Weston has experienced some inconsistency in the minors this season. He posted a 7.89 ERA across 51â…“ innings at Triple-A, although his strikeout numbers remained encouraging. He recorded 66 strikeouts during that span, demonstrating the ability to miss bats even while struggling with his command.
That combination of strikeout potential and remaining upside likely made Weston an attractive waiver claim for the Mets.
Weston features a sinker and sweeper among his primary offerings and has also worked with a slider, splitter and changeup. His lower arm slot and ability to generate movement give him a different look compared with many conventional right-handed relievers.
For New York, the move is a low-risk opportunity to see whether its pitching development staff can help Weston turn his swing-and-miss ability into more consistent results.
The Mets’ decision to add Weston before the Giants series may not generate the same attention as a major trade or free-agent signing, but it could prove useful as the club manages its pitching depth.
At 26 years old, Weston still has time to establish himself as a reliable Major League reliever. If the Mets can improve his command while preserving his strikeout ability, the right-hander could become an interesting option for the bullpen.
For now, the move represents another depth addition for a Mets team looking for every possible advantage as the season enters its crucial final stretch.
