The Mets signed Ben Gamel, a 31-year-old journeyman outfielder who played six games for the Padres last season, to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.
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Gamel has slashed .252/.332/.384/.716 for his eight-year career, and his best season was in 2017 with the Mariners when he hit 11 home runs in 550 plate appearances. The lefty broke into the majors with the Yankees in 2016 and made stops in Seattle, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Pittsburgh before San Diego. Of note, he played under current president of baseball operations David Stearns while in Milwaukee.
He hit .232/.324/.369 with the Pirates in 2022, with nine home runs in 423 plate appearances. DJ Stewart and Tyrone Taylor are expected to be the backup outfielders. Gamel can play all three outfield positions, but best profiles as a left fielder.
