3 best roster depth pieces added this offseason so far

3) NY Mets addition of Stephen Ridings has more upside

Another New York native like Mendick added to the Mets organization, Stephen Ridings comes over from the Yankees via waiver claim. The 6’8 hurler could be the next Colin Holderman as long as he is able to move past the injury that kept him out for nearly all of 2022.

Ridings definitely seemed to benefit from the Yankees’ decision to move him into the bullpen full-time. During the 2021 season, he had a 1.24 ERA in 29 innings. He’s a power pitcher capable of hitting 100mph. What’s not to love?

His spot within the organization will be based largely on performance. It would take a couple of injuries for the Mets to put him on the Opening Day roster. He should, however, be in the rotation of possible pitchers the club promotes whenever they need a fresher arm.

The 2023 season could be a one-and-done run for Ridings. He does have minor league options, luckily, which will allow him to bounce between the majors and minors without having to be designated for assignments. The Mets wouldn’t hesitate to DFA him to remove him from the 40-man roster in order to replace him. This ball club has taken risks with injured players before or paid guys with only minor league experience a major league contract.

The Ridings waiver claim may go nowhere. It’s worth a closer look. Anyone who can throw that hard is someone to consider.