Reports: Mets Re-Sign Jesse Winker
The New York Mets are re-signing outfielder Jesse Winker, Andy Martino of SNY reported Thursday. The deal is pending a physical. Winker will sign for about $8 million in 2025, Jon Heyman of the New York Post added, with a $1 million signing bonus. Joel Sherman of the New York Post clarified that it’s a one-year contract worth $7.5 million, with the chance to reach $9 million via bonuses.
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Winker, who made enemies with Mets fans during his days with the Cincinnati Reds, embraced the opportunity in New York after a midseason trade from the Washington Nationals in 2024. The 31-year-old batted only .243 with a .683 OPS in 44 games in Queens, down from his career OPS of .804. But, combined with his 101 games in a Washington uniform, he batted .253/.360/.405, good for a .764 OPS and 118 wRC+. He was a solid on-base threat with some occasional pop and a flair for the dramatic. He seemed to put his past contentions with Mets fans aside, and he became a likable part of the “OMG”-branded Mets.
Winker also went 5-for-13 for the Mets during the NLCS. He hit two triples in the playoffs, tied for the most in Mets postseason history.
Winker gives New York a much-needed additional bat. He’s declined since his peak in 2021, but he provides some solidification to the DH spot, which was previously occupied by the aging Starling Marte. Despite adding superstar Juan Soto this offseason, the Mets have still had to grapple with question marks in their lineup depth.
And the answers, as Martino reported shortly after announcing the Winker news, will likely not include homegrown first baseman Pete Alonso. Martino said the Mets have pivoted to “plan B, post-Alonso,” even adding that the Mets consider the most likely outcome that Alonso will sign elsewhere. After adding Winker, Martino expects the Mets’ next big move to be signing a reliever.
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