Matt Eddy of Baseball America has reported that the Mets have gone ahead and signed minor league free agent outfielder Adam Loewen to a minor league contract.
The former pitcher and Orioles first round pick, ran into some major control problems and bouts with wildness and is now reinventing himself as an outfielder, much like Rick Ankiel before him. His major league line as a pitcher was 8-8 in 29 starts with a 5.38 ERA over the three year of 2006-2008.
As a right fielder, Loewen batted .306 in 134 games for Triple-A Las Vegas in the PCL. In 585 plate appearances he posted a .377 OBP and an impressive .508 SLG for a combined .884 OPS.
At 27-years old, Loewen could make his return to the majors as a hitter as soon as this season, especially if he maintains a similar level of success in Triple-A Buffalo for the Mets.
This could be a nice under the radar signing for the Mets and one to keep a close eye on.
