Mets Claim Former Angels Top Draft Pick After Impressive Minor League Season

The New York Mets have begun reshaping their roster for 2027, taking a chance on a former Angels second-round pick who enjoyed a breakout season in the minor leagues.

New York claimed 24-year-old infielder/outfielder Kyren Paris off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, according to the team's official transaction log.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Mets designated outfielder Cristian Pache for assignment.

Paris was selected by the Angels in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft, with the 55th overall pick, and spent his entire professional career in the Angels' organization before Thursday's move.

Although he has struggled to establish himself in the majors, his performance at Triple-A Salt Lake this season suggests there could still be untapped potential.

In 62 games with the Bees, Paris batted .307 with 13 home runs, 50 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.

He also posted a .427 on-base percentage and .554 slugging percentage, good for a .981 OPS.

Those numbers represented a considerable improvement over his major league production.

Paris appeared in just eight games with the Angels in 2026, going hitless in 15 at-bats with eight strikeouts and three walks.

He has appeared in 88 major league games across four seasons, batting .147 with seven home runs, 17 RBIs and 11 stolen bases.

Still, Paris offers the Mets something that could prove valuable as they build their roster: positional versatility.

According to SNY, Paris has played second base, shortstop and all three outfield positions during his major league career.

That flexibility could give president of baseball operations David Stearns another option as the Mets evaluate their bench and organizational depth heading into spring training, with several major offseason decisions still ahead.

The Mets have already received clarity on one major roster question, with Bo Bichette deciding to exercise his $42 million player option for 2027.

But the club still has work to do throughout the roster, and Paris represents a relatively low-cost addition with an opportunity to compete for a utility role.

For Pache, the transaction could bring another change of scenery.

The 27-year-old joined the Mets on a minor league contract last offseason and spent most of 2026 with Triple-A Syracuse.

He appeared in 15 games for New York after being promoted in August, going 1-for-8 at the plate.

Pache also batted .235 with five home runs, 41 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in 93 games with Syracuse.

Once regarded as a promising prospect because of his defensive ability, Pache has struggled to produce consistently at the plate throughout his major league career.

Now, the Mets have chosen to use his roster spot on Paris, hoping the former Angels prospect can translate his minor league success into a more meaningful major league opportunity.