Mets Waive Rule 5 Pick: Set To Ship Him Back To Yankees

The New York Mets selected right-hander Zach Greene from the New York Yankees in the Rule 5 Draft back in December. Now, after a rocky spring, the 26-year-old could be heading crosstown back to the Yankees organization.

Sources: The Mets have placed Rule 5 pick Zach Greene on outright waivers. If Greene clears, the Mets will be obligated to offer him back to the Yankees for $50,000.

Greene allowed 7 ER over 4.2 IP this spring. Buck Showalter had spoken highly of him despite the results.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 13, 2023

Greene surrendered 7 earned runs over 4.2 innings this spring for a 13.50 ERA, allowing more walks than strikeouts. The Mets simply couldn't afford to commit to keeping him on the roster in a championship-or-bust season, so they've placed him on outright waivers. But if he clears, the Mets will have to offer him back to the Yankees for $50,000.

However, if a team does claim him on waivers, then they would assume the 'Rule 5' rights, and be obligated to keep him on their roster all season. 

Greene rose through the Yankees minor league system quickly, and last year posted an impressive 3.42 ERA in 68 innings in Triple-A, while striking out a whopping 12.6 batters per nine innings. 

The Yankees, though, just couldn't fit him on their 40-man this offseason so the Mets nabbed him. But a rough spring has changed those plans. 

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports