New York Mets Sign Former First Round Pick Outfielder

March 22, 2025

The New York Mets have signed former first-round pick Billy McKinney to a minor league deal, reuniting with the 30-year-old outfielder who had a brief but productive stint with the club in 2021. 

McKinney was spotted in camp earlier this week, and the deal was confirmed by The Athletic’s Will Sammon. 

A veteran of seven MLB seasons, McKinney has played for the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Mets, but has struggled to find consistent success at the major league level despite his pedigree as the 24th overall pick in the 2013 draft.

McKinney’s most notable run came during his time with the Mets in 2021, when he posted a .776 OPS and a 109 OPS+ over 39 games. While he’s slashed a poor .209/.284/.386 in 943 big league plate appearances overall, his recent Triple-A production has remained strong. 

In 2024, he batted .295/.396/.450 over 40 games with Triple-A Indianapolis before a late-season call-up with the Pirates. 

Across the past three Triple-A campaigns, McKinney owns a .288/.398/.500 line with 56 home runs. “He’s always hit in the minors, and that kind of depth can come in handy over a long season,” a team source said.

McKinney joins a Mets outfield group that already features Juan Soto, Brandon Nimmo, Jose Siri, Tyrone Taylor, Jesse Winker, and Starling Marte. Alexander Canario and José Azocar are also on the roster, though both are out of options. 

McKinney is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Syracuse, where he’ll provide veteran insurance in the event of injuries. 

While he’s unlikely to crack the Opening Day roster, his left-handed bat and ability to play both corner outfield spots could earn him a return to Queens if an opportunity arises.

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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