FORMER METS FARMHAND JOINS WILD THINGS
The Washington Wild Things have signed right-handed pitcher Christian James to the 2022 roster after James spent the 2021 season with American Association's Winnipeg Goldeyes. The former 14th round pick (2016) of the Mets also has four seasons of MiLB playing time under his belt as he makes his way to the Wild Things.
James pitched in 29 games and made five starts for the Goldeyes a season ago and was 3-3 in those games. He logged 44.2 innings and fanned 37 opposing batters.
"We expect Christian to come in and help solidify our bullpen and bring veteran experience to the backend. Christian is at his best when he's attacking hitters and letting his defense play behind him, which is a valuable trait as a reliever," said manager Tom Vaeth. "You can't bring a guy in out of the bullpen in a pressure situation and have him walk the ballpark. When Christian is aggressive, he gets a lot of ground balls with his power sinker. I look forward to seeing him in a Wild Things' uniform."
The righty was drafted out of East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs, Florida, by the New York Mets in the 14th round of the draft in 2016. He went on to pitch four seasons in the Mets' farm system, beginning in 2016 with the GCL Mets (Rookie Ball). He posted a 0.52 ERA in 14 games and 17.1 innings. He allowed 11 hits and two runs (one earned) with 15 strikeouts and just five walks.
In 2017, he played in rookie ball with the Kingsport Mets (Appy Lg). He started all 11 games he appeared in and logged 51.2 innings. In 2018, James split time between three different minor-league teams. He pitched in one game for Binghamton (AA), one game for St. Lucie (A+) and 13 for the Brooklyn Cyclones (A-). In total, he put up a 1.90 ERA in the 15 appearances with 80.2 total innings.
His final season in the Mets' organization came in 2019 when he pitched in the South Atlantic League with Columbia and made an MiLB career high 24 appearances, totaling another MiLB career high 113.2 innings.
The Wild Things will kick off that 20th Frontier League season May 13 at home against the New York Boulders. The full schedule is available at washingtonwildthings.com. Check out the roster as it gets announced by clicking here.
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON WILD THINGS
The Washington Wild Things are a professional baseball team that plays in the MLB-partnered Frontier League. In 2022, the Wild Things are celebrating their 20th season of baseball in the longest-running independent baseball league in history with all kinds of celebrations, fun and great baseball at Wild Things Park. The team has won seven division championships and has been to four Frontier League Championship Series within their numerous playoff appearances. Fans and media can stay aware of all the happenings within the Wild Things' organization, both on and off the field, by following the team's social media platforms and website: washingtonwildthings.com. For other inquiries, call the front office at 724-250-9555.
The Wild Things' organization and Wild Things Park has been selected as the host of the 2022 Frontier League All-Star Game. The festivities will begin Saturday, July 16 and run through the game itself Wednesday, July 20. Tickets are available at bit.ly/FLASG22TIX. More information can be found at washingtonwildthings.com as well.
