Mets claim outfielder Bryce Brentz off waivers from Pirates

The New York Mets have claimed outfielder Bryce Brentz off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates placed the 29-year old on outright waivers after he failed to make the team out of spring training. According to Michael Baron, the Mets have yet to determine where Brentz will report.

Brentz, a 2010 first-round draft pick with the Boston Red Sox, displayed power during his minor league career but was plagued by a number of injuries. He made his big league debut in 2014 for the Red Sox, hitting .308 in limited action as a September call-up. After spending all of 2015 with Triple-A Pawtucket and missing significant time with a right hamstring strain, he returned to the majors in 2016 and hit .279 with one home run and seven RBI in 25 games. He again found himself in Pawtucket in 2017, where he hit 31 home runs in 120 games.

The Red Sox decided to move on from Brentz this past February, trading him to the Pirates in order to make room for J.D. Martinez on the 40-man roster. With an opportunity to earn a spot on the Pirates roster, Brentz struggled during spring training. He posted one home run and 10 hits in 40 at-bats before being placed on waivers.

The Mets are expected to carry four outfielders on Opening Day, but could view Brentz as insurance in case any outfielder suffers an injury. The Mets are patiently awaiting the return of Michael Conforto, who will start the season on the disabled list but is expected to return by May 1.