As was widely expected, to make room on the 40-man roster for outfielder John Mayberry Jr. the Mets have designated right-hander Gonzalez Germen for assignment.
Germen spent parts of two seasons in the Mets’ bullpen, posting a combined 4.31 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 65 innings.
December 12
Adam Rubin of ESPN New York confirms that the Mets have signed free agent outfielder John Mayberry Jr. as first reported by Jon Heyman. Boom.
Joel Sherman of the NY Post reports that the one-year deal is worth $1.45 million dollars. He can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances: $50,000 each for 200 and each additional 50 through 450, and $100,000 apiece for 500 and 550.
The deal has yet to be confirmed by the Mets, but I’m betting an email from Media Relations is on the way as soon as Mayberry passes physical.
“Mayberry, who turns 31 later this month, is expected to start in the outfield against left-handed pitching, allowing Terry Collins to use Michael Cuddyer at first base over Lucas Duda if the manager chooses,” writes Rubin.
Mayberry was acquired from Philadelphia on Aug. 31 and hit .208 with one homer and two RBIs in 15 games with the Blue Jays.
Combined with the Phillies and Blue Jays, Mayberry batted .212 with a .310 on-base and .425 slugging percentage.
However against left-handed pitching he posted a .913 OPS in 82 plate appearances last season and has an .857 OPS against them for his career.
