As their 40-man roster was already maxed out even before signing Chris Young and Scott Hairston, the Mets had to shuffle things around to make room for their newest acquisitions. To that end they designated Tobi Stoner and Jason Pridie for assignment. The Mets can attempt to trade either or both, otherwise the players will be placed on waivers during which time they can be claimed by any of the other 29 big league teams.
Adam Rubin has the implications of these moves.
Pridie, if he clears, can refuse the assignment to the minors and elect for free agency because he previously has been outrighted off a 40-man roster. Stoner, if he clears, would need to report to Triple-A Buffalo, and likely would be in big league camp as a non-roster invitee -- the path of Ryota Igarashi.
Pridie is a 27-year-old defense-first outfielder with little offensive utility. Stoner is a 26-year-old finesse righty with an amusing surname. Each provides a little bit of organization depth, which is all the Mets will really lose if either doesn't wind up returning. Listen to Rob's December interviews of Pridie & Stoner here and here.
Discussion topic: If Stoner gets traded or claimed by another team, who would then have the best name in the organization?