New York Mets add depth with Daniel Palka signing

Seeking to add depth at the corners in the outfield and even potentially first base, the New York Mets have signed Daniel Palka to a minor league deal.

Here’s what the Daniel Palka signing means for the New York Mets

The 30-year-old Palka appeared in 154 games for the Chicago White Sox during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, with 120 of those coming during the 2018 campaign. That year, he slashed .240/.294/.484 with 27 home runs and 67 RBI, finishing fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. He also struck out 153 times in 417 at-bats (34.1 percent).

However, 2019 was a nightmare for Palka at the plate, starting the season 1-for-45 before finally getting somewhat on track, going 8-for-39 after a September call-up. He was designated for assignment by the White Sox after the season.

Palka played most in the outfield during his time with the White Sox, seeing action in 43 games in right field and 26 games in left in 2018. He added in six innings at first base during the 2019 season.

He was inked by the Washington Nationals to a minor league deal last season and spent all season with Triple-A Rochester, slashing .256/.364/.472 with 18 homers and 58 RBI. He chose free agency after the season, setting up his availability to sign a deal for the 2022 campaign with the New York Mets.

Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third round of the 2013 MLB draft, Palka was traded after the 2015 season traded to the Minnesota Twins for Chris Herrmann. After bouncing around the minors in the Twins organization, the White Sox claimed him off waivers from Minnesota on November 3, 2017.

With his new deal with the Mets, expect Palka to have to prove himself in the minors before getting a chance at a call-up. While he does have some minor league experience at first base (45 Triple-A games), the vast majority of his playing time has come as a corner outfielder, primarily in right field.