The New York Mets have traded outfielder Jake Mangum to the Miami Marlins to complete the trade for Elieser Hernández and Jeff Brigham, as first reported by Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. This comes on the heels of Mangum not being selected by any team Wednesday in the Rule 5 draft.
Mangum, 26, was the Mets 2019 fourth-round draft pick out of Mississippi State University. Entering the 2022 season, MMN ranked him as the Mets 16th-best prospect.
This past season, Mangum only played in 72 games due to a stress reaction in his spine. When he returned to the field, it did not seem to inhibit his performance.
Splitting time mostly between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse, Mangum hit .306/.363/.441 with 15 doubles, six triples, four homers, and 35 RBI. He was successful in 14 of his 17 stolen base attempts.
While his offensive numbers were good, Mangum’s true value was in his defense. Over the course of his professional career, he’s made a number of highlight- worthy plays.
“He just made a catch like Willie Mays!”
— Farm To Fame (@FarmToFame_) September 11, 2022
Mets prospect Jake Mangum makes an impressive over the shoulder catch in AAA! pic.twitter.com/W6FkoMnEeP
The trade of Mangum is somewhat surprising. Keep in mind, the Mets were not in a position where they needed to trade Mangum to clear the path for a higher-ranked prospect. In fact, in the upper level for their system, outfield is their thinnest position.
You could also argue Mangum has a skill set that could propel him to the majors in some role. He has excellent bat-to-ball skills and does not strike out often. As noted, Mangum is also a very good fielder. Mark Canha, Starling Marte, and Khalil Lee are the only outfielders currently on the Mets 40-Man roster.
That all said, apparently, the Mets did not see Mangum being a part of their future in any meaningful way, especially when considering he was sent to a division rival.
