The New York Mets have taken steps to strengthen their infield depth by signing infielder Nick Madrigal to a one-year split contract, as reported by Joel Sherman of The New York Post. The deal is valued at $1.35 million, with additional performance bonuses potentially reaching up to $500,000.
Madrigal, who has passed his physical, brings versatility to the Mets as he has experience playing both second and third base. This contract structure is beneficial because it allows the team to keep him off the 40-man roster initially, as he can earn different salaries depending on whether he plays in the major or minor leagues.
Originally drafted fourth overall by the Chicago White Sox in 2018, Madrigal was once considered one of the top prospects. He made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 2020 but has faced challenges since then, including injuries. He was traded to the Chicago Cubs along with pitcher Codi Heuer during the 2021 trade deadline as part of the deal for closer Craig Kimbrel. Over the past three years with the Cubs, Madrigal struggled offensively, hitting just .221/.280/.256 last season with only 51 games under his belt.
Despite the offensive shortcomings, Madrigal's defensive capabilities cannot be overlooked. His defensive prowess is evidenced by his statistical performance; he has recorded two Outs Above Average (OAA) as a second baseman and seven OAA as a third baseman over 698.1 innings. His low strikeout rate of 9% throughout his career showcases his ability to consistently put the ball in play, though he has yet to tap fully potential at the plate.
Madrigal's addition appears to be partly consequential following the Mets' lack of aggressive efforts to re-sign fan-favorite Jose Iglesias, who is currently still without a team. Iglesias had made significant contributions to the Mets’ success last season but has not been pursued as strongly by the team during this offseason.
With Madrigal now on board, he faces competition for the Opening Day roster spot from players like Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty, and Ronny Mauricio. The Mets, having lost Iglesias, now have the challenge of filling various roles within the infield, and Madrigal provides them with flexible options.
One of the notable aspects of Madrigal's background is his ability to adapt and fill gaps caused by injuries or performance issues from other players. According to reports, he could even serve as backup support for Francisco Lindor should the starting shortstop face injury concerns, allowing for Acuña or Mauricio to step up. The decision to bring him on as part of the squad not only increases depth but also opens up various strategic lineup possibilities for the coaching staff.
Going forward, Madrigal's focus during spring training will be on earning his spot on the big-league roster. Given his history of injuries, the organization may opt to exercise caution by beginning his tenure with Triple-A Syracuse. This ensures he is ready to contribute fully as the 2025 season gets underway.
Overall, signing Nick Madrigal seems to be part of the Mets' strategy to create greater competition and depth within their roster as they prepare for the new season. Whether he will be able to secure his place among the major league squad remains to be seen, but there is optimism surrounding his defensive skills and ability to make contact at the plate.
With the Mets' roster reshaping and the potential for fresh talent to emerge, fans can look forward to dynamic gameplay come Opening Day. The integration of Madrigal could be key to bolstering the Mets' chances as they aim for greater success this season.