New York Mets Add Another DH Option In Former Rays' Impact Slugger

The New York Mets have signed another former Tampa Bay Ray and New York Yankee, who could fit in as a DH option this season.

On Friday, the Mets inked DH/first baseman Ji-Man Choi to a one-year minor league split contract that is worth $3.5 million with an invitation to spring training, per Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News Agency, who cited the player’s agents as his source.

Choi updated his bio on Instagram, confirming his new affiliation with the Mets.

Choi, a lefty swinger, played in just 39 games last season for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres, posting a .163/.239/.385 slash line with six homers and 13 RBIs.

While the Mets appear to be ready to hand over the reigns at DH to righty Mark Vientos, Choi and DJ Stewart could be the left-handed bats competing for time at the spot in spring training.

Choi, 32, was a productive hitter for the Rays, putting together the best year of his career in Tampa back in 2019, where he posted a .822 OPS and hit 19 home runs in 127 games.

Prior to 2019, Choi also had brief stints with the Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was in the same role with Milwaukee when Choi was there, so they are familiar with each other. Choi is now the latest former Brewer that Stearns has brought with him to Queens.