David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets claimed right-handed reliever Stephen Ridings off waivers from the New York Yankees.
Ridings was drafted by the Cubs in the eighth round of the 2016 draft and made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2021. In his five MLB innings, he has a 1.80 ERA and 12.6 SO/9.
Ridings’ path to MLB is certainly eventful. He began part-time teaching in Lantana, Fla., in 2020 due to COVID preventing his season. While teaching in Florida, Ridings was released by the Royals in November 2020 and had no team for the upcoming season.
Luckily for Ridings, the gym where he was working out for the 2021 season was run by Eric Cressey, who is the Yankees’ director of player health and performance. Cressey was impressed by Ridings’ potential and sent footage of his workouts to the Yankees.
After being signed by the Yankees, he immediately impressed the front office and players in the organization. Kyle Higashioka was quoted in spring training saying, “What kind of substitute teacher throws 100 mph?”
Everything about Ridings is imposing. He is a 6’8″, 245-pound right-handed reliever who tops out at 101 mph. To begin his MLB career, he struck out the side against the Orioles. To complement his electric fastball, Ridings throws an 88 mph cutter and 86 mph slider.
Ridings, however, has been dealing with injuries over the past year. He missed the whole 2022 season with an impinged right shoulder.
While the Mets are taking a chance on Ridings, he has the potential to be an important piece of the 2023 bullpen. The Yankees at one point viewed Ridings as valuable and protected him from the Rule 5 draft prior to the 2022 season. With the Mets having to rebuild the majority of their bullpen, Ridings will be given the opportunity to pitch in MLB again.
Ridings has minor league options remaining. The Mets also have eight 40-man roster spots open.
