New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker is reportedly remaining with the team, according to multiple reports.
The 31-year-old left fielder re-signed with New York on a one-year deal, pending a medical. The contract is reportedly worth $8 million, plus potential bonuses that could earn Winker up to $9 million.
Last year, Winker joined the Mets midseason after being traded by the Washington Nationals in July. He finished the season with a .253 average, collecting 14 home runs and 14 stolen bases, but he really found his groove in the postseason.
Winker hit .318 with a 1.168 OPS during the Mets’ postseason, recording seven runs, a home run and four RBIs in 10 games. The Mets ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the eventual champions, in the NLCS.
The Mets have already had a busy offseason, signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto to a record contract that will keep him in Queens for the long term and rebuild the starting rotation. The team’s possible remaining task is to re-sign four-time All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso. who is one of the best free agents this offseason.
While Alonso is drawing significant interest from other teams, Winker’s signing could be a signal that the Mets don’t expect the first baseman to return. If that’s the case, it makes sense for New York to look to other options to fill out its lineup.
