The New York Mets agreed to a one-year $8 million deal with Left Fielder/Designated Hitter Jesse Winker on Thursday afternoon. Winker was acquired by the New York Mets before the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline from the Washington Nationals. He was a crucial part of New York’s improbable run to the NLCS. He hit .318 during the postseason with 1 home run and 4 RBI.
Winker hit .253 during the regular season with 14 home runs and 58 RBI with the Nationals and Mets. Winker will look to build upon a strong postseason with a New York Mets team that had a strong offseason. Will Winker be a positive presence for New York this season?
The New York Mets Had a Strong Offseason
Winker deal is for about $8M for 2025 including a $1M signing bonus, pending physical https://t.co/tlLhTUPXaP
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 16, 2025
Winker will rejoin a Mets team that includes Right Fielder Juan Soto. He signed a 15-year $765 million deal with New York in December 2024. While Soto was the biggest offseason prize, New York bolstered the rest of their roster as well. They signed Starting Pitchers Frankie Montas and Griffin Canning. New York also re-signed Starting Pitcher Sean Manaea.
The New York Mets still have one more pressing matter to contend with before Spring Training begins next month. New York and First Baseman Pete Alonso have been unable to come to terms on a contract extension this offseason. They could not agree on the number of years. Alonso is reportedly eyeing a long-term deal while the Mets wanted a short-term deal. Winker’s signing has led the team to believe Alonso will don a new uniform come Opening Day.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of how the Alonso situation plays out, New York has done a solid job this season of filling out its roster. They now have the second-best odds to win the 2025 World Series odds behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles dispatched the New York Mets in the NLCS.
New York was one of the hottest teams over the final few months of the regular season and kept it going in the MLB Playoffs. Following a great playoff run, they signed the best free agent on the market. A player like Winker will provide the team with the depth they need to compete in a National League that is as strong as ever.
