The New York Mets are reportedly set to sign utility infielder Joey Wendle. The deal, which was first reported by Robert Murray of FanSided, is reportedly for one year and $2 million, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman.
Free-agent infielder Joey Wendle and the New York Mets are in agreement on a contract, pending physical, according to sources familiar with the deal.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) November 30, 2023
Signing Wendle capped a busy day for New York, which also signed veteran pitcher Luis Severino to a one-year deal. The Mets have several roster vacancies to fill, and Wendle will likely take over the role occupied by Luis Guillorme, who the team non-tendered earlier this month.
Mets Sign Joey Wendle to One-Year Deal
Wendle brings eight seasons of major league experience to the Mets. After seeing limited playing time with the Oakland Athletics in 2016 and 2017, he broke out once he joined the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2018, Wendle hit an even .300 with seven homers, 61 RBI, and a .789 OPS in 139 games. He also recorded 16 steals and scored 62 runs, helping him to a fourth-place finish for AL Rookie of the Year. Three years later in 2021, Wendle became an All-Star for the first time. The same season, he reached double-digit homers for the first (and so far only) time in his career. Wendle spent the last two seasons with the Miami Marlins before becoming a free agent after 2023.
The 33-year-old Wendle should provide an experienced lefty bat and defensive versatility in the infield to a Mets team looking to bounce back in 2024. After a disappointing season, they will be moving forward with new manager Carlos Mendoza and new president of baseball operations David Stearns. Wendle represents an inexpensive, low-risk option to fill Guillorme’s role. He can slot in several places in the lineup and play multiple infield positions. If they can get more offense out of him than he usually puts up, this addition could really pay off in the short term for the Mets.
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