Mets sign free agent OF Michael Cuddyer to two-year deal

The New York Mets have signed free agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two-year contract.

The New York Mets have signed free agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two-year contract, the team announced Monday. 

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports the deal is worth $21 million. The 35-year-old recently turned down a $15.3 million qualifying offer from the Colorado Rockies to become a free agent. 

The Mets will become just Cuddyer's third team in 15 years, as he spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Minnesota Twins and the last three in Colorado. 

"Michael is a tremendous addition to the middle of our lineup," Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said. "He is a proven offensive threat who also brings versatility in the field with the ability to play multiple positions."

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Because Cuddyer declined the qualifying offer, the Rockies will receive a compensatory pick in the 2015 MLB draft, which will occur between the first and second rounds. In signing the outfielder, the Mets give up their No. 15 first-round pick in next year's draft. 

Cuddyer had two different disabled list stints in 2014, playing 49 games and hitting .332 with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs. In 2013, he hit .331 with 20 home runs and 84 RBIs, won the NL batting title, was named an All-Star and won a Silver Slugger Award. The veteran was also an All-Star in 2011. 

Welcome to New York @mcuddy3! We've signed outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two-year contract. #Mets pic.twitter.com/1pwpJzESmB

— New York Mets (@Mets) November 10, 2014

- Molly Geary