The New York Mets believed they already had their starting infield figured out entering the day on Tuesday, but a little bit of insurance never hurts at this time of year.
With newcomers Bo Bichette at third base, Marcus Semien at second base, and Jorge Polanco at first base, the Mets built themselves an entirely new projected infield around shortstop Francisco Lindor. Now, that group of All-Stars will be joined by one more name with big-league experience, at least for spring training.
According to a report from Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets and shortstop Grae Kessinger agreed to terms on a minor-league contract on Tuesday with an invite to spring training.
Kessinger, 28, has 49 games of major league experience under his belt with the Houston Astros. He hasn’t had much success, batting .131 thus far against major league pitchers. He’s been a bit better in the upper levels of the minors, though, including an .826 OPS in a 2023 season split between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land.
Kessinger was traded from the Astros to the Diamondbacks last January after being designated for assignment, and the change did not treat him well. He was released in April without making an appearance for the major league team, and he did not catch on with another club the rest of the way.
It’s a crowded infield group that Kessinger will attempt to worm his way into during spring training. Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, Mark Vientos, and the recently-acquired Vidal Bruján will all be attempting to win jobs that involve consistent playing time in Queens.
However, Kessinger could also be valuable Triple-A depth for the Mets if he predictably comes up short in that roster competition.
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