The Mets are fighting on multiple fronts this winter, in an attempt to win in 2021 while the agricultural system is being restored.
On the latter front, the organization added a piece Wednesday night, acquiring cameraman Khalil Lee of the Royals in a three-way operation that also included the Red Sox.
In the deal, the Mets surrendered (in Boston) pitcher Josh Winckowski, who arrived at the recent trade sent by Steven Matz to Toronto. The Mets will also deliver a player who will be named later to complete the deal. Kansas City acquired Andrew Benintendi of Boston in the trade. Franchy Cordero went from Kansas City to Boston.
Lee, 22, was ranked No. 8 prospect for the Royals by the MLB Pipeline. In 2019 he stole 53 bases in Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he reduced .264 / .363 / .372 and played in midfield. He was selected by the Royals in the third round of the 2016 Flint Hill School draft in Oakton, Va.
Trade covers the need for the Mets, who have little off-field perspective at the higher levels of the minor leagues. Former outfielder Jarred Kelenic, selected by the Mets in the first round of the 2018 draft, was handed out to the Mariners in the trade that brought Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano to New York. Last summer, the Mets used their first pick at Pete Crow-Armstrong High School.
Last month, in the Matz trade, the Mets acquired minor league pitchers Sean Reid-Foley and Yennsy Diaz of Toronto, in addition to Winckowski.
The Mets officially announced the signing of Albert Almora Jr. with a one-year contract. To create space on the list of 40 men, Corey Oswalt was appointed to allocate it. When the signing of Jonathan Villar is official, the Mets will have to open another staff space.