Continuing their efforts to improve the bench, the New York Mets have signed John Mayberry Jr. to a one year, $1.45 million deal. CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman first reported the signing, with Joel Sherman of the NY Post revealing the contract terms.
Mayberry had been non-tendered by the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this month. He’d been projected to earn $1.9 million through arbitration had the team held onto him, but ultimately Toronto saw more value in opening up the roster spot than in retaining Mayberry. Toronto had initially acquired him from the Philadelphia Phillies in late August.
The soon-to-be 31 year old has seen time at all three outfield positions in his career, while also getting some limited action at first base. The versatility gives the Mets some additional options when it comes to assembling their bench for the upcoming season.
Mayberry batted just .212/.310/.425 with seven home runs in 168 plate appearances this past season, but he’s a .241/.305/.429 hitter during his six year career. His numbers against left-handed pitching have been substantially better than those against righties.
This is hardly a splashy deal for the Mets. Mayberry will give the team depth across the outfield and could potentially see some added playing time with an opposing southpaw on the mound, potentially spelling Lucas Duda in a semi-platoon role.