Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the New York Mets have signed utility player Jonathan Villar to a one-year deal worth $3.55 million, plus incentives.
The veteran will continue to add to the Mets’ depth at a multitude of positions. Heyman notes that Villar is expected to fill a super utility role for the Mets.
Villar has experience playing second and third base, as well as shortstop, and some center and left field.
During a pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Villar stuggled with a .232/.301/.292 slash-line. However, the 29-year-old had a stellar 2019 season, slashing .274/.339/.453 to go with 24 homers and 73 RBIs. He also recorded a 109 wRC+ and posted a 4.1 fWAR while playing in all 162 games for the Baltimore Orioles.
Defensively last season, Villar played most of his games at second base (25) and had 0 DRS, -.8 UZR, 63 assists and five errors. He also appeared in 21 games at shortstop last season with -1 DRS, .6 UZR, and 36 assists.
As currently constructed, the Mets bench will likely consist of Villar, Luis Guillorme, Albert Almora, Tomas Nido, and Jose Martinez.
