The Mets added a veteran defensive presence to their roster on Monday.
Cristian Pache, who is mainly valued for his reach and strong arm, reached an agreement with the club on a minor league contract, an industry source confirmed.
Pache, 27, spent last season in Triple-A for the Diamondbacks after playing for three organizations last year. Pache receives an invitation to spring training.
It’s likely the Mets view Pache in the same light as Jose Siri, who was hired last offseason to add depth to the team behind another defensive specialist in Tyrone Taylor. But Siri spent most of the season on the injured list rehabbing a broken left tibia and was released by the club after his return in August.
Pache, whose career started with the Braves, posted a .200/.273/.279 slash line with one homer and 16 RBIs in 2024 with the Phillies, Orioles and Marlins.
As it stands now, the Mets have Taylor and Carson Benge as center field options for next season.
The Mets have a glaring vacancy in left field following the trade that sent Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien. Jeff McNeil (who could still be traded) remains a good option who can play all three outfield positions in addition to second base.
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