Mets trade Nieuwenhuis to Angels for cash

The Mets have made a trade with the Los Angeles Angels, shipping outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis out west in exchange for cash. Nieuwenhuis was designated for assignment last week, yet the Mets expressed hopes that they would be able to find a trade partner for him before being forced to expose him to waivers and potentially lose him for nothing.

Nieuwenhuis made the team out spring training after a competition for the last outfielder spot with Matt den Dekker. He had the upper hand from the beginning, as he was out of minor league options. He won the job, and den Dekker was sent to Washington for relief pitcher Jerry Blevins, but Nieuwenhuis struggled mightily in his role off the bench. In 38 at-bats, he had just three hits, two of which were doubles, and two walks with 17 strikeouts. Such meager production ultimately prompted the Mets to promote Darrell Ceciliani from Triple-A to take his place.