As per a team announcement, the New York Mets have signed free-agent second baseman and former San Francisco Giants mainstay, Joe Panik, to a major-league contract for the remainder of the season.
To make room for Panik on the 40-man roster, the Mets designated infielder Adeiny Hechavarria for assignment. Hechavarria was due to earn a $1 million bonus if he was still on the Mets active roster on August 10.
Mike Anthony of MMO reported on Thursday evening that Panik had expressed interest in “coming home” once he cleared waivers on Friday at 1 PM ET, with sources indicating “it would be a shock” if the former All-Star (2015) and Gold Glove winner (2016) didn’t sign with New York.
Panik, 28, fell on hard times this season in San Francisco, slashing .235/.310/.317 with 17 doubles, a triple, three homers, 27 RBIs, a .275wOBA, and 69 wRC+.
His zero defensive runs saved and 2.1 ultimate zone rating both rank fourth among qualified MLB second basemen and his 3.7 UZR/150 ranks third among that same group, so there is a clear upside to the signing, even if his bat does remain dormant.
Though, for a career .271/.334/.383 hitter (.299 wOBA, 85 wRC+), taking a chance on Panik was/is a necessary risk, especially with the team heading into this weekend’s matchup with Washington (currently occupying the first NL wild-card spot, three games up) just a half-game out in the NL wild-card race.
In the likely long-term absence of Robinson Cano (torn left hamstring) from the Mets’ lineup, adding a proven veteran in Panik, with championship-pedigree (2014), to boot, could be a boon for this now-contending ballclub.
We’ll keep you posted with any additional information.
