The Mets have signed outfielder Roger Bernadina to a minor league contract, the team announced this afternoon. The contract will pay him $750,000 if he’s added to the major league roster. If he’s not on the roster by June 15, he will have to be released. (Jon Heyman)
Bernadina, 31, has played with four teams over seven seasons in the major leagues, including six with the Washington Nationals. He has experience at all three outfield positions, accumulating over 800 innings at each spot.
Bernadina played exclusively for the Reds’ Triple-A team in 2015, batting .276/.383/.466 with 15 homers and 20 steals over 119 games. In 2014, he hit .167/.305/.258 over 54 games with the Reds and Dodgers.
Bernadina will provide another depth option as a left-handed hitter who has been about league average against right-handers in his career. He owns a .237/.310/.362 line with 25 home runs in 1255 plate appearances in that split.
Overall, Bernadina has a career .236/.307/.354 line (an 80 wRC+) with 28 home runs and 59 stolen bases.
Defensively, Bernadina has been stronger at the corners than in center field. His career UZR/150 in left field stands at +10.7 runs while his center field mark is -10.7 and his right field mark sits at -2.2. His career Devensive Runs Saved in left, center, and right field stand at +3, -8, and +8. The sample sizes are not particularly big, but that should give you a general sense of his skill. He won’t be bringing Gold Glove defense at any position.
Barring any injuries, Bernadina will likely start the season in Triple-A.
