New York Mets Sign Former 1st-Round Pick Infielder
The deal allows the Mets to send him to the minors if needed, as he still has a minor league option. Madrigal, 27, spent the past three seasons with the Chicago Cubs after being acquired from the White Sox in the 2021 Craig Kimbrel trade.
The Cubs non-tendered him this offseason instead of paying his projected $1.9 million arbitration salary, making him a free agent. With solid contact-hitting ability and defensive versatility, Madrigal has a career .274 batting average but has struggled with power and consistency, posting a .221/.280/.256 slash line in an injury-shortened 2024 season.
Mets are signing Nick Madrigal pending physical
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 31, 2025
Despite his offensive limitations, Madrigal remains a strong defender, particularly at third base, where he has recorded +7 Outs Above Average in limited action.
His elite 9% strikeout rate shows his ability to put the ball in play, making him an appealing depth option for the Mets. With uncertainty at third base, he will compete with Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuña for a roster spot in spring training.
If Pete Alonso leaves in free agency, the Mets could shift Mark Vientos to first base, which would further open competition at third. "Madrigal still has an option remaining, so he doesn’t need to be guaranteed a spot on the active roster,” Jon Heyman of The New York Post noted, making Triple-A Syracuse a possible landing spot.
Mets, 2B Nick Madrigal reportedly in agreement on a contract. pic.twitter.com/4b7pyIxzL8
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 31, 2025
The Mets' infield depth took a hit with the departure of utility infielder José Iglesias, who hit .337 in a key role last season, though the team hasn’t ruled out re-signing him.
Madrigal’s contract provides insurance, and if he can stay healthy, he could work his way into a bench role.
Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
