The New York Mets announced Monday that they signed outfielder/first baseman Michael Cuddyer to a two-year deal reportedly worth $21 million. Cuddyer will receive $8.5 million in 2015 and $12.5 in 2016, per Adam Rubin of ESPN. Cuddyer declined a qualifying offer from the Rockies earlier this month, so the Mets will forfeit their first-round draft pick (No. 15 overall) to sign him. The Rockies will receive an extra draft pick at the end of the first round as compensation.
Michael Cuddyer signs 2-year, $21 million deal with Mets
The aging slugger may be best suited for designated hitter, but the Mets have decided to forfeit their No. 15 overall draft pick to bring him to New York without the benefit of the DH.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The 35-year-old spent most of his career with the Twins before joining the Rockies for the past three seasons. For Colorado, he hit .307 with a .362 on-base percentage and .525 slugging average in 280 games. The right-handed batter was named an All-Star in 2013 but played in just 49 games in 2014 after battling injuries throughout the year. He fractured his right shoulder early in the season and battled hamstring issues later. Despite that, he still hit .332 with 26 extra-base hits in 205 plate appearances, good for an OPS+ of 149. However, now he'll be moving from hitter-friendly Coors Field to pitcher-friendly Citi Field.
Cuddyer has spent most of his time in the outfield in recent years, where he’s been below-average as a fielder. However, he’s also played in the corner infield as well, including 14 games at first base and three at third in his most recent season. As Rockies blog Purple Row notes, Cuddyer is, “best suited for designated hitter at this point in his career.” The Mets, who play in the National League, will have to put him in the field.
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