The New York Mets added another potential starting pitcher to their player pool on Wednesday, making a deal with the Texas Rangers for RHP Ariel Jurado. Jurado was designated for assignment by the Rangers on July 31st to make room for former Yankee first baseman Greg Bird on their 40-man roster.
Jurado, 24, has made 44 appearances (26 starts) for the Rangers dating back to 2018 and has pitched to a 5.85 ERA. Jurado was ranked as the No. 72 prospect in baseball by Baseball Prospectus prior to the 2017, but has struggled to adjust to the big league level. He has given up 28 home runs in 177 career innings pitched. Jurado has a five-pitch arsenal, but mostly relies on his sinker.
The Mets sent a player to be named later and cash considerations to the Rangers in exchange for Jurado. They have optioned him to their alternate training site in Brooklyn.
To make room for Jurado on the 40-man roster, the Mets DFA’d outfielder Ryan Cordell just a day after he made his first start. Cordell was on the team for his speed and defense in center field, but now that Billy Hamilton is on the roster, Cordell became expendable.
