Mets acquire Winker from Nationals

The New York Mets acquired veteran outfielder Jesse Winker from the Washington Nationals for right-hander Tyler Stuart, the team announced Sunday.

"I'm excited. I'm going to be a part of the great team that's been winning a lot," Winker said, according to The Associated Press. "It's a wonderful opportunity, and then obviously I'm extremely thankful for everybody here, the opportunity to come and play and play every day.

"And I'm so thankful for (general manager Mike Rizzo) and (manager) Davey (Martinez) and everyone, They really took a chance on me. And I feel like I owe them a lot for that. So I'm grateful."

Winker joined the Nationals on a minor-league contract in the offseason. After struggling the past two years, he's enjoying a resurgent offensive campaign in 2024.

The 30-year-old has 11 home runs, 45 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases with a .793 OPS in 101 games this season. Winker has excelled against right-handed pitching in particular, hitting 10 of his 11 home runs with an .840 OPS.

Winker spoke glowingly of Citi Field following a game against the Mets in 2022 when he was a member of the Seattle Mariners.

"I'm going to be honest with you, I love (Mets fans)," Winker said. "They are an amazing group of people. They are very passionate about their team and their city."

Winker will likely find playing time in left field and as a designated hitter with the Mets.

To clear a 40-man roster spot for Winker, New York transferred right-hander Kodai Senga to the 60-day injured list. Senga suffered a high-grade calf strain during his season debut on Friday and is expected to miss the rest of the regular season.

The 24-year-old Stuart owned a 3.96 ERA and 9.6 K/9 in 17 Double-A starts this season.