Flushing, NY (SportsNetwork.com) – The New York Mets made the first big splash
of the offseason Monday by signing veteran outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a
two-year contract.
Cuddyer, 36, rejected Colorado’s $15.3 million qualifying offer at Monday’s
deadline and instead elected to sign with the Mets, who will forfeit the 15th
overall pick in next year’s draft with the signing.
“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.”
Cuddyer won the National League’s batting title in 2013 and was an
All-Star in 2011 and 2013. He also reached the postseason six times during his
tenure with the Minnesota Twins and helped the team reach the ALCS in 2002,
and has hit .338 in 22 career postseason games.
The Virginia native was limited to just 49 games last season for the Rockies
due to a lingering hamstring strain and a strained shoulder. He compiled a
.332 batting average with 10 home runs and 31 RBI in his third season with the
team.
Cuddyer spent his first 11 seasons with Minnesota before signing a three-year,
$31.5 million contract with Colorado prior to the 2012 season.
Over 14 seasons, Cuddyer owns a .279 batting average with 187 home runs and
753 RBI in 1,419 games.
