Left-hander Tyler Jay was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for minor league pitcher TJ Shook, which was obtained by the New York Mets. The move will send a pitcher who was recently designated for assignment to the Mets in exchange for pitching depth that is not on the 40-man roster.
Jay will be added straight to the Brewers’ 40-man roster, while Shook will be sent to Triple-A Syracuse.
The Minnesota Twins drafted Jay sixth overall in the 2015 draft, and he made his main league debut with the Mets this season. Prior to signing a minor league contract with the Mets last season, Jay pitched successfully in the Independent League despite a string of setbacks and poor performance.
After signing, he had difficulties, but he had a strong spring and season at Triple-A. In 41 1/3 innings, he has a 2.10 ERA, 30 strikeouts, and only 4 walks. Unfortunately, in 4 2/3 innings this year in the majors, the 30-year-old has had a 7.71 ERA.
The southpaw with a gentle throw will join a Brewers club that is renowned for producing pitchers. The squad may not be able to develop him into a standout weapon. But the depth of Milwaukee’s pitching staff has been put to the test this season, and Jay could have more of a chance to contribute with the Brewers than the Mets would.
After the 2020 MLB Draft was shortened, Shook signed an undrafted free agency contract with the Brewers. Only the Brewers and the Mets, Shook’s new team, had interest, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic.
David Stearns, the current president of baseball operations for the Mets, was in charge of the Brewers at the time of the signing. Shook’s decision to join a new organization run by someone who obviously has his best interests in mind should assist.
The pitching development method and pitching lab in New York have received a lot of attention. Shook has some talent, so it will be fascinating to watch how the company develops him.
