Brandon Waddell: Former Mets Relief Pitcher (2025)

Brandon David Waddell was born June 3rd, 1994 at Houston Texas. The tall six foot three left hander was a high school honor student in Houston. He then attended the University of Virginia earning a degree in Economics. There he was named to two straight college All-World Series teams, getting to the 2014 & 2015 College World Series. In 2015 he was the winning pitcher in the decisive game winning the NCAA Championship.

In 2015 he was then selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth round of the draft. 

MLB Debut: In 202 Waddell made his debut appearing in two games for the Pirates. He was placed on waivers then was selected by the Twins where he appeared in four games the following season. Waddell would move to the Orioles & Cardinals organizations that same season, making five brief MLB appearances.

Korea & China: In July 2022 he signed with the Doosan Bears of the Korea Baseball
Organization appearing in 11 games going 5-3 with a 3.60 ERA. 

In 2023 he began the year in the Chinese Professional Baseball League for the Rakuten Monkeys getting the opening day start. Overall he was 5-5 with a 3.30 ERA that season. His contract was then transferred back to the Bears in the KBO where he finished the season &signed on for one more year (2024) with the Bears going 7-4 with a 3.12 ERA.

Three time Teammate of Jared Young: While playing in Korea he became a teammate of Jared Young when he signed with the club. Already a third year veteran in Korea he helped Young adjust to the city & the way of life in that country. Brandon's wife & Waddell's girlfriend also became close friends going on tourists trips & shopping together while the guys were playing ball. 

In 2024 both players would get signed by the Mets, becoming teammates at AAA Syracuse then getting called up at the same time to the big league club. 

Quotes- Brandon Waddell: "As you go over there you don't know anything, right? You've got to
figure that out. I didn't know him, had never met him before but obviously that bond grows pretty quick".

Mets Career: In December 2024 Brandon signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets.

Waddell began the 2025 season at AAA Syracuse getting called up at the end of April. On April 30th he finished off a Mets loss to Arizona, pitching four scoreless innings striking out four allowing three hits. He returned a month later & on May 28th he gave up four runs in a loss to the White Sox at Citi Field.

On June 3rd, he collected a hold at Dodger Stadium & made a brief appearance in the next game was well. He made two more appearances that month, including three scoreless innings over the Braves in a 7-3 win.

From July 2nd thru July 10th he allowed HRs in the straight appearances. On July 10th in the second game of a doubleheader loss to the Orioles, he made his first career start. He gave up three runs on four hits in three innings including a two run HR to Jordan Westburg.

He made two more appearances then was sent back down to AAA Syracuse. Over all he appeared in 11 games for the Mets posting a 4.15 ERA finishing off four games.

On December 10th he was designated for assignment at the end of August.

Family: Brandon is married to Madison, they have a dog named Moose.