The Mets have officially announced the completion of their deal with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera who passed his physical today. The deal is worth $18.5 million over two years and includes a third-year team option for 2018.
Cabrera, 30, can play both shortstop and second base but will likely predominantly play shortstop for the Mets next season and possibly get some reps at third.
He batted .265 with 28 doubles, 15 home runs, and 58 RBIs in 551 plate appearances this year for the Rays and posted a 104 wRC+ and 2.2 WAR in 143 games. He finished the year with a strong second half, batting .328 with 10 home runs and 36 RBI.
As his career .267/.329/.412 triple slash line shows, he provides solid production and power from his position. Since 2011, he’s produced double digit home runs in every season.
A two-time All Star, Cabrera started 136 games at shortstop this season, where he posted a -6.0 UZR and -7 Defensive Runs Saved, almost identical to his 2014 metrics.
Assistant GM John Ricco was very pleased with what they were able to accomplish at the Winter Meetings, pointing to the added depth and flexibility they now have in the infield.
“We think we have some good players. But whether it be through giving them more rest or finding ways to get them at-bats in situations where they’ll thrive, that’s the goal,” Ricco said. “And trying to find pieces that allow us to do that is what we’ve been focused on.”
