Westmont’s Barring signs with New York Mets, makes pro debut

Westmont outfielder Will Barring of Tustin has signed a free agent contract with the New York Mets and has seen his first action as a minor league ball player. Barring has been assigned to the Gulf Coast League Mets, a rookie league team that plays in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

“I am thrilled to see Will get this opportunity with the Mets organization,” said Westmont head coach Robert Ruiz. “They chose someone that will add value every minute he is able to be a part of their organization. He is a leader with relentless work ethic. I couldn’t be happier for him. I know he will represent Westmont College and Westmont Baseball very well in his professional career.”

Barring debuted on Tuesday in a game against the Gulf Coast League Marlins. In the top of the eighth, with two away, Barring pinch ran for Victor Moscote, taking over at first base. Unfortunately, the next batter grounded out to first, ending Barring’s first day as a member of the Met’s organization.

In four years at Westmont, Barring recorded a career batting average of .335, tallied 192 hits including 12 home runs and collected 113 RBIs. The centerfielder was a two-time All-Golden State Athletic Conference selection (2013, 2015) and was tabbed for NAIA All-American honorable mention honors this past season.

Barring is the fourth Westmont player to be offered minor league contracts since the NAIA season ended. Russell Harmening (Washington Nationals), Andrew Vasquez (Minnesota Twins) and Hector Lujan (Minnesota Twins) were selected in the MLB First-Year Player Draft earlier this month. Vasquez and Lujan are teammates on the Gulf Coast League Twins who make their home in Fort Meyers, Florida.

Lujan also made his first appearance on Tuesday, pitching the fifth inning in a game against the Gulf Coast League Orioles. With no outs and the bases loaded, the right-hander was brought out of the bullpen. After getting Alejandro Juvier to pop out, Lujan coaxed Gerrion Grim to hit a ground ball back to the mound. Lujan fielded the ball and threw to catcher Brian Olson for the second out of the inning. After walking Carlos Diaz to force in a run, Lujan struck out Daniel Fajardo to end the inning.