Cuddyer is a 2x All-Star & the 2013 NL batting champ after he hit a career-best .331 in 130 games w/Colorado. #Mets pic.twitter.com/oaRzEknakz
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 10, 2014
Michael Cuddyer is moving to the Big Apple. The former Twins outfielder agreed Monday to a two-year contract with the New York Mets.
Cuddyer left the Twins following the 2011 season and signed a three-year contract with the Rockies, where he won the National League batting championship in 2013.
That season he hit .331 with 20 home runs and 84 RBIs. According to ESPN, Cuddyer was slowed by three separate stints on the disabled list last season. He still produced when he was on the field, hitting .332 with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs.
“Michael is a tremendous addition in the middle of our lineup,” said Mets general manager Sandy Alderson in a statement. “He is a proven offensive threat who also brings versatility in the field with the ability to play multiple positions.”
Welcome to New York @mcuddy3! We've signed outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two-year contract. #Mets pic.twitter.com/1pwpJzESmB
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 10, 2014
Financial terms of Cuddyer’s deal with New York haven’t been released, but reports peg the deal to be worth around $21 million.
Cuddyer gets 2 yrs at $21M $8.5m in 2015, $12.5M in 2016 #Mets
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 10, 2014
According to the New York Post, the Mets will have to give up the 15th overall pick in the MLB Draft this summer, because the Rockies had placed a $15.3 million qualifying offer on Cuddyer last week.
Cuddyer, 35, played parts of 11 seasons with the Twins. Minnesota drafted him with the ninth overall pick in the 1997 draft.
The move will put Cuddyer on the same team as a close friend of his. Both he and Mets third baseman David Wright grew up in the Norfolk, Virginia, area.
The Post indicates the Mets were interested in the 14-year-veteran because of a weakness in the outfield.
