Khalil Lee, Photo by Richard Nelson
The New York Mets have announced they have claimed right-handed reliever Sam Coonrod off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies, and to make room for him on the 40 man roster, the team has designated Khalil Lee for assignment.
Coonrod, 30, In April, he was placed on the 60 day IL with a shoulder strain, which was later diagnosed as a torn rotator cuff. He would not make an appearance in the majors until August 19.
He would make 12 relief appearances for the Phillies last season. Over 12 2/3 innings, he had a 7.82 ERA, 1.500 WHIP, 5.0 BB/9, and an 8.5 K/9. He would be left off the postseason roster.
In his career, Coonrod has made 105 relief appearances over parts of four seasons. In his career, he is 7-5 with five saves, a 5.27 ERA, 1.366 WHIP, 4.1 BB/9, and an 8.8 K/9.
Sam Coonrod, Filthy 91mph Slider…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/8sGP0lpQxX
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 11, 2021
Per Baseball Savant, Coonrod throws 97+ MPH with low spin. He mixes that primarily with a slider and change. Based upon the data, his slider and change are more effective than his fastball in terms of xWOBA and whiff%.
Coonrod still has one option remaining, and he is not arbitration eligible until after the 2023 season. He figures to start the 2023 season with Triple-A Syracuse.
As previously noted, to make room for Coonrod on the roster, Lee was designated for assignment. Recently, it came to light Lee is facing criminal charges and a civil suit due to allegations of physical abuse of an ex-girlfriend.
Lee, 24, played 13 Major League games over parts of two seasons with the Mets. He hit .100/.100/.300 over those games.
With Triple-A Syracuse last season, Lee played 100 games. He hit .211/.326/.366 with 25 doubles, 10 homers, and 37 RBI. He was successful in 14 of 17 stolen base attempts.
With Lee being designated for assignment, the Mets only have four outfielders on the 40 man roster. Mark Canha, Starling Marte, Brandon Nimmo, and Tommy Pham will be on the Major League Opening Day roster leaving the Mets no minor league 40 man roster depth as the season begins.
