The New York Mets have bolstered their roster by adding another former Tampa Bay Ray and New York Yankee, who could be in contention for the designated hitter (DH) role this upcoming season.
In a move announced on Friday, the Mets secured DH/first baseman Ji-Man Choi to a one-year split contract valued at $3.5 million, according to Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News Agency, who referenced the player’s agents as the information source. Choi confirmed his new affiliation with the Mets by updating his bio on Instagram.
Choi, known for his left-handed swing, saw limited action last season, appearing in only 39 games split between the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres, where he recorded a batting line of .163/.239/.385 with six home runs and 13 RBIs.
While the Mets seem inclined to give the DH role to right-handed hitter Mark Vientos, Choi and DJ Stewart, both left-handed batters, could vie for playing time at the position during spring training.
At 32 years old, Choi enjoyed a successful stint with the Rays, notably in 2019 when he produced the best statistical season of his career, boasting an .822 OPS with 19 home runs across 127 games.
Before his tenure with the Rays, Choi had brief spells with the Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who previously held the same role with Milwaukee, shares familiarity with Choi from their time together there. Choi joins the list of former Brewers brought to Queens by Stearns, showcasing the continued connection between the two franchises.
