MLB

Mets sign LF Jesse Winker to one-year, $7.5 million contract

After making the All-Star team with the Reds in 2021, Winker’s career seemingly crashed and burned. The corner outfielder struggled in extended action with the Mariners in 2022 and then in limited action in 2023 with the Brewers. Winker’s career was inching toward the end. His last shot? A minor-league deal with the Nationals.

One year later, the tables have turned. Winker was productive last year — both win the Nationals and Mets — and became a sought-after free agent. And why wouldn’t he be? The 31-year-old finished 2024 hitting .253 with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs. The Mets can only hope that performance — and his even better postseason showing — carries over.

Winker’s fit with New York is a bit less celebratory. The veteran should see ample time at designated hitter, but that boxes out the signed Starling Marte — and unsigned Pete Alonso — from additional at-bats. That’s a good problem to have, though. The Mets needed to continue to add after inking Juan Soto, so this transaction helps.

Grade: C