In an attempt to strengthen their roster, the New York Mets have made a move to acquire outfielder Duke Ellis from the Chicago White Sox. The Mets claimed Ellis off waivers and have optioned him to Double-A Binghamton, as reported by Tim Healey of Newsday.

The White Sox had designated Ellis for assignment earlier this week, leading to the Mets' opportunity to claim him. The Mets had a vacant spot on their 40-man roster since catcher Tomás Nido was designated for assignment last week, so they won't need to make any corresponding moves.

Ellis, a 26-year-old player, was recently selected to the White Sox roster for his impressive speed. He has a record of stealing 117 bases while being caught only 16 times during his time in the minor leagues. Although Ellis had limited opportunities in the big league club, he showcased his skills as a pinch runner and successfully stole four bases in four attempts.

However, his performance at the plate has been less remarkable, with a career batting average of .241/.328/.333 in the minor leagues. Ellis has a walk rate of 10%, which is commendable, but he also has a strikeout rate of 25.7%. In a total of 961 plate appearances, Ellis has hit only 13 home runs.

The Mets' decision to claim Ellis is seen as a strategic move. With a vacant roster spot and Ellis's game-changing baserunning abilities, the team can provide him with regular plate appearances in the minor leagues. There is a possibility of a promotion to the big leagues later on, where Ellis could serve as a pinch running specialist.

Given that rosters expand in September, the Mets could utilize Ellis's speed to their advantage in tight games, especially with the extra runner in extra innings. This move may enhance their chances of scoring crucial runs and securing victories.

The acquisition of Duke Ellis is an intriguing addition to the Mets' roster, and fans will be eagerly watching his progress in the minor leagues. If he can continue to develop his skills at the plate and make an impact on the bases, Ellis could become a valuable asset to the team in the near future.