The Mets made a roster move on Tuesday, designating infielder Tsung-Che Cheng for assignment to clear a 40-man spot for newly signed right-hander Luis García. It’s a transactional shuffle that’s becoming increasingly common this time of year, especially for fringe roster players like Cheng-guys with intriguing tools but without a firm major league foothold.
Cheng, 24, has had quite the offseason tour. Originally developed in the Pirates’ system, he was DFA’d by Pittsburgh in December, then passed through the Rays before landing with the Mets via waivers. He’s yet to play a game for New York, and now he’s back in DFA limbo.
On paper, Cheng’s major league experience is nearly nonexistent-just seven plate appearances with the Pirates last season, where he struck out three times and reached base once, and that was on an error. But his minor league résumé tells a more complete story and helps explain why multiple teams have taken a look at him in recent weeks.
Defensively, Cheng brings real versatility. He’s logged significant time at both middle infield spots and has even seen action at third base.
Scouts and evaluators have generally been high on his glove, praising his range and instincts, particularly at shortstop. That kind of defensive flexibility is always valuable, especially for teams looking to shore up organizational depth.
Offensively, though, it’s been more of a mixed bag. In 2023, splitting time between High-A and Double-A, Cheng posted a solid .278/.352/.456 line with a 9.7% walk rate and 116 wRC+-numbers that suggest he can hold his own at the plate, at least at the upper minors level.
But when you zoom out to his last two seasons combined, the bat cools off: a .217/.319/.312 slash and a wRC+ of 81. That’s a noticeable dip, and it’s likely what’s kept him from sticking on a big league roster.
Still, there’s some upside here. Cheng is young, has a minor league option remaining, and can capably handle shortstop-traits that make him a worthwhile depth piece.
If he can tighten up the swing and find more consistency at the plate, he could carve out a more stable role down the line. But even if the bat doesn’t come around, his glove alone gives him a shot to hang around as a utility option.
Moves like this-claiming a player, then DFA’ing him shortly after-might seem odd at first glance, but they’re part of a broader roster management strategy. Teams often hope the player will clear waivers the second time around, allowing them to keep him in the organization without burning a 40-man spot. The Mets already pulled this maneuver earlier this offseason with Ji Hwan Bae, who was claimed and then outrighted to the minors after clearing waivers.
Because Cheng hasn’t been outrighted before and doesn’t have three years of MLB service time, he wouldn’t be able to elect free agency if he clears this time. That gives the Mets a bit more control over the situation. They’ll now have up to seven days to explore trade options or try to sneak him through waivers.
It’s a waiting game now. Cheng’s fate will be decided in the coming days, but whether he stays with the Mets or lands elsewhere, his defensive chops and youth ensure he’ll remain on the radar for teams looking to bolster their infield depth.