The New York Mets have acquired outfielder Duke Ellis off waivers from the Chicago White Sox, prime sellers this season. He was DFA’d earlier this week. The Mets have optioned him to Double-A Binghamton. Ellis is a former Central Heights Blue Devil. The Mets don’t have to worry about making a corresponding move, as they have had a 40-man roster opening since catcher Tomás Nido was DFA’d last week. With this signing, have the Mets signed Terrance Gore 2.0? Gore was known for his speed and could run as fast as 40 yards in 4.18 or 4.19 seconds. Rickey Henderson holds the record in MLB history for the most stolen bases in a season with 130.
The Mets have claimed speedy outfielder Duke Ellis off waivers from the Chicago White Sox https://t.co/iZSAI6ofQF pic.twitter.com/RYpje2YHUT
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 22, 2024
Mets Claim Duke Ellis Off Waivers
The Mets’ claiming Ellis off waivers makes sense. They have an open roster spot available, and Ellis could be a game-changer with his baserunning speed. The Mets can also be flexible with how they use him. The Mets can offer him consistent plate appearances in the minors or bring him to the majors as a pinch runner. Ellis, who is 26, was selected to the White Sox roster at the beginning of June. He was largely selected on account of his speed. Ellis was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020. His 117 stolen bases in the minors showcase the strong asset of his speed.
He has also only been caught stealing 16 times. Regarding his major league experience, the White Sox utilized him as a pinch runner in eight games, and while he only had four plate appearances, he utilized his time wisely. He stole four bases in four attempts. While his speed is solid, he has other areas to work on, such as his offense. He’s sported a .241/.328/.333 throughout his career in the minors, with a wRC+ of 88. wRC+ measures a player’s offensive value.
While his walk rate of 10 % is appealing, his strikeout rate is 25.7 percent, and he’s only gone yard 13 times in 961 plate appearances. This pickup also makes sense for the Mets, as roster spots will become available in September. This means teams will take advantage of the extra room for a player like this. This can potentially shake things up in the lineup, and Ellis could come as a pinch runner during a close-scoring game in extra innings.
Main Photo Credits: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
