Former Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins INF Signs on with NL East Club

Infielder Joey Wendle has accepted a one-year deal from the New York Mets. He previously played with the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics.

Just hours after signing free agent pitcher Luis Severino, the New York Mets added to their depth, getting infielder Joey Wendle on a one-year deal.

Per Robert Murray of Fansided:

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.

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

This is not a ground-shattering move that will vault the Mets back into contention in the National League East, but Wendle is a versatile infielder that should give new manager Carlos Mendoza options, especially defensively late in games. 

The 33-year-old appeared in games at second base and shortstop in 2023, but has also played third base, left field and right field in his career. He's played eight years in the big leagues with the Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins. He finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting in the American League in 2018 and was named an All-Star in 2021 with the Rays.

He's coming off a down year with the Marlins, however, hitting .212 with two homers and 20 RBI over 112 games. Miami did get to the playoffs out of the same NL East, so the Mets are hoping he can bring that same playoff experience to Queens, where the team finished fourth in the division a season ago.

In addition to Severino and Wendle, the Mets undoubtedly have more moves to make. They need multiple more starting pitchers and could use help in the bullpen. There's also the looming question of if they'll trade slugging first baseman Pete Alonso.

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