Mets will give Sam Haggerty first taste of the big leagues

The New York Mets have promoted Sam Haggerty to the big leagues as part of the September roster expansion. Let’s get to know a little more about him.

On September 1, MLB rosters expanded from 25 to 40 players. The New York Mets took advantage of this by promotion a few men and activating others from the IL. One of the less expected transactions included the big league promotion for Sam Haggerty.

The 25-year-old utility man played all over the field this year down on the farm. He also spent time with the Brooklyn Cyclones, Binghamton Rumble Ponies, and Syracuse Mets. He hit at each level. Maybe more importantly for his promotion, Haggerty found ways to get on base.

The majority of his season was spent in Double-A with the Rumble Ponies where he hit .259 but impressed with a .370 OBP. Haggerty also managed to swipe 19 bases in 68 games played.

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A light-hitter, Haggerty has played second base more than anywhere during his professional career.

However, this year he also saw his share of time in center fielder where he could undoubtedly be far more valuable to the Mets when considering how many other second base options they do have.

Haggerty is one of two players the Mets acquired this winter in the Kevin Plawecki trade with the Cleveland Indians. The other, Walker Lockett, has already taken the mound several times for New York. The results haven’t been too favorable, but there is a chance he becomes a decent relief arm. Unlike many others we’ve seen toe the rubber for the Mets in recent seasons, Lockett is at least youngish.

Expectations for Haggerty shouldn’t get too high. He is, after all, a former 24th round draft pick who was one of two players traded for a career backup catcher with below-average offensive and defensive traits. For him to reach this big leagues at all is a victory.

Interestingly, one of the guys many suspected we would see the Mets promote has opted out of his deal with the team. Dilson Herrera chose to opt-out from his deal with the team for the second time this season. I understand why. Even after hitting 24 home runs this year in Triple-A, the club never called him up.

Haggerty can undoubtedly provide the Mets with a few things they’re missing. He’s a center field option who can run. Playing time will be scarce. This September is his opportunity to make the most of any pinch-running opportunities or defensive replacement substitutions he may be involved in.

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As Moonlight Graham or the Mets’ Joe Hietpas know, you may only get a single inning of action.