Jared Young and Brandon Waddell's paths to the Mets have been long and winding, originating from their time as teammates on the Doosan Bears in South Korea. After signing with the Mets and spending the first months of the season together at Triple-A Syracuse, both players were called up to the major leagues, marking a significant milestone in their careers. Waddell, a left-handed pitcher, previously made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates and has since played with multiple teams, while Young transitioned from the infield to outfield, showcasing his versatility. Their journey reflects the challenges and aspirations of players aiming to establish themselves in Major League Baseball.

Waddell, who had a successful tenure with a 3.12 ERA and 75 strikeouts at Doosan, noted the differences in playing styles between the KBO and MLB, emphasizing the need for precision in pitching due to lower strikeout rates in Korea. Young enjoyed a stellar performance in the KBO with a .326 batting average and an impressive OPS, which positioned him for this opportunity. Both players express the excitement of achieving their shared goal of reaching the MLB, illustrating the diverse routes athletes take to fulfill their dreams.