The New York Mets have reportedly signed Ji-man Choi, Jiheon Pae of spochoo.com reported Friday night.
Pae’s report says it is a split contract that would earn Choi $3.5 million if he makes the Opening Day roster. Pae said Choi is expected to compete with Mark Vientos and DJ Stewart at designated hitter.
Choi, who will turn 33 in May, has played in parts of eight MLB seasons, most recently with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres in 2023. He struggled in limited playing time, hitting .163/.239/.385 over 39 games with the two teams.
It was Choi’s first down year after a strong five-year stretch with the Tampa Bay Rays that ended when he was dealt to Pittsburgh ahead of the 2023 season.
After being dealt from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Rays in June of 2018 for MLB journeyman Brad Miller (and cash), Choi became a productive member of the Tampa Bay lineup, albeit in limited playing time. In 414 games across five seasons, Choi hit .245/.352/.431 (a .783 OPS) with 52 home runs and a 119 OPS+. He had an OPS+ over 100 in all five seasons.
A natural left-handed hitter, Choi actually has 11 career plate appearances as a righty and even hit a home run in 2020.
The Korean first baseman could make the roster if he has a good spring and Stewart or Vientos struggles.
