Overview
- New York used an open 40-man roster spot for the move, so no corresponding transaction was required.
- Cheng was designated by Pittsburgh in December, claimed by Tampa Bay on Jan. 7, then DFA’d again on Jan. 12 before the Mets' claim on Jan. 16.
- He reached the majors with the Pirates in 2025 and went hitless in seven plate appearances across three games.
- At Triple-A last season, he hit .207/.305/.267 with one home run and 20 steals, profiling as a plus runner with experience at shortstop, second base and third base and a strong minor-league walk rate.
- His immediate opportunities appear limited given an infield led by Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien, though he retains a minor-league option.