New York Mets Forced To Return Pitcher To New York Yankees

The New York Mets took a shot, but now have been forced to send their Rule 5 Draft pick back to the crosstown New York Yankees. 

Billy Eppler announces that Zach Greene cleared waivers and the Yankees wanted him back so he returns to their organization.

— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) March 14, 2023

The Mets selected pitcher Zach Greene from the Yankees in the Rule 5 Draft back in December and paid the Pinstripers $100,000 as per the draft rules. But he struggled in his spring appearances, posting a 13.50 ERA in 4.2 innings. 

The Mets decided that they couldn't commit to keeping him on the roster all season. They placed him on outright waivers last week and now that he's cleared that process, they had to offer him back to the Yankees (for a $50,000 price). They said yes, thank you very much. 

Greene was an 8th-round pick of the Yankees in the 2019 June Draft, and soared up their minor league ladder, posting a 3.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across three levels and 146 innings. He struck out a rollicking 13 batters per nine, with a 211:57 K/BB ratio.

In 2022 at Triple-A, the 26-year-old went 9-0 mainly out of the bullpen with a 3.42 ERA and 12.6 K/9. The Yankees are pleased to have him back in the system, while even being $50,000 ahead of where they were before he was plucked by the Mets. 

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports