[ad_1]
The first free agent signing of the Steve Cohen era won’t exactly break the bank, but it does provide clues as to how the Mets might work with a new owner.
The Mets announced the signing of Sam McWilliams, a 25-year-old right-hander who has not pitched over Triple-A on Friday.
The 6-foot-7 McWilliams spent last season in the Rays’ 60-man pool, but were not called up from the alternate site in Tampa Bay.
Despite his inexperience in the major leagues – and the fact that he averaged 8.18 in 44 innings with Triple-A Durham in 2019 – the Mets signed him to a deal worth $ 750,000, more than the league minimum.
For an organization hungry for depth among the miners, McWilliams signing is the first indication of how the Mets are going to invest in lower level players.
The real test will be how they fare for the remainder of the offseason with their pursuit of high-end starting shots, as well as to the receiver and into the outfield.
Free agents Trevor Bauer, DJ LeMahieu, JT Realmuto and George Springer could all prove to be targets, especially after the Mets saved $ 20.25 million with Robinson Cano’s 162-game suspension.
But the Mets need more than stars and they lack launching options, so expect more signings like McWilliams, who was an eighth-round pick by the Phillies in 2014.
The addition of McWilliams gives the Mets 37 players on their 40-player roster.
[ad_2]
Source link