ST. LOUIS — The New York Mets have traded for outfielder Jesse Winker from the Washington Nationals, aiming to bolster their lineup with a left-handed hitter as they vie for a playoff spot.
Winker found out about the trade during the Nationals’ 14-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night. ESPN.com was the first to report the trade details, though the terms were not immediately disclosed.
“There were obviously some rumblings, and I was informed during the game that I had been traded,” Winker said after recording two singles and an RBI. “It was really that simple.”
An All-Star with Cincinnati in 2021, Winker rejuvenated his career with the Nationals after a spring training invite. He entered Saturday night’s game with a .372 on-base percentage, ranking eighth in the National League.
This season, Winker is hitting .257 with 11 home runs and a career-high 14 stolen bases.
This is the second trade in two days for the Mets, who occupy the third wild-card spot in the NL despite losing to Atlanta on Saturday night. They acquired reliever Ryne Stanek from Seattle on Friday.
The Mets have been without right fielder Starling Marte (knee) since late June.
“I’m excited to join a great team that’s been winning a lot. It’s a wonderful opportunity, and I’m extremely thankful for everyone here who gave me a chance to play every day,” Winker said.
“I’m grateful to (general manager Mike Rizzo) and (manager) Davey (Martinez) and everyone. They really took a chance on me, and I feel like I owe them a lot for that.”
Martinez believed that Winker, 31, still had “more in the tank” despite injuries slowing him down the past two seasons. Winker quickly became a regular in the Nationals’ lineup.
“He kept everybody loose but was very invested in his teammates,” Martinez said. “He helped our young players and was very knowledgeable about opposing pitchers. He did everything we asked of him.”
Winker, born in Buffalo, New York, remains connected to the area and is a Buffalo Bills fan.
“I appreciate everything he’s done and the way he treated me. I have nothing but respect for him and his family,” Martinez said. “I wish him all the luck.”
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