Mets sign Catalanotto to minor league deal

The Mets have signed veteran Frank Catalanotto to a minor league deal. The Smithtown, N.Y., product will likely fill a backup role with the team. He chose the Mets over the Brewers and Marlins.

The 35-year-old Catalanotto hit .278 with a homer and nine RBIs in 77 games last season for the Milwaukee Brewers. He's a career .292 hitter over 13 big league seasons that included stops in Detroit, Texas and Toronto.

Catalanotto has played first, second and third base, as well as both corner outfield spots during his career. That versatility could come in handy for a Mets club that was decimated by injuries last season.

Catalanotto represented Italy during the past two World Baseball Classics.