Mets Acquire OF Jesse Winker From Nats For RHP Tyler Stuart
Image credit: Jessie Winker (Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos)
Late on a busy pre-deadline Saturday night, the Mets struck a deal to acquire outfielder Jesse Winker for righthanded pitcher Tyler Stuart. The resurgent outfielder signed a minor league deal with the Nationals and has responded with his best season since he was in Cincinnati in 2021. Winker is hitting .253/.372/.417 over 100 games.
METS RECEIVE
Age: 30
Over the last several years, Winker has dealt with a litany of injuries limiting his performance leading into this season. Renowned for his advanced plate approach, Winker has flashed his plate skills this season with a 14.1% walk rate while ranking eighth in the National League in on-base percentage. Winker has also shown to be more spry in 2024 with a career high 14 stolen bases. Winker’s well-rounded production at the plate, lefthanded bat and ability to play an outfield corner make him a solid addition. The Mets lineup is primarily righthanded, and this move frees up Jeff McNeil to see more time at second base.
NATIONALS RECEIVE
Age: 24
Drafted by the Mets in the sixth round of the 2022 draft out of Southern Mississippi, Stuart had mainly worked as a reliever in college after Tommy John surgery. The 6-foot-9 righthander has emerged as a legitimate back of the rotation option as a pro. He is currently ranked as the Mets’ No. 23 prospect on the recently updated Mets Top 30 Prospects list. Stuart mixes a low-to-mid-80s baby sweeper slider as his primary pitch, blending a two-seam and four-seam fastball shape at 93-95 mph with a mid-80s changeup and a low-90s cut fastball. Over 17 starts with Double-A Binghamton, Stuart is 3-7, 3.96 ERA with a 25.4% strikeout percentage and a 5.6% walk percentage.
