Mets Take Chance On Ex-Red Sox Slugger After After Impressive Stint With Organization
The New York Mets recently made a depth move.
New York officially signed former Boston Red Sox slugger Daniel Palka to a minor league deal, according to the Mets' Triple-A affiliate Syracuse Mets.
Palka has been somewhat of a journeyman throughout his professional career. The 31-year-old was drafted in the third round of the 2013 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft and made his professional debut the same year in the Arizona Diamondbacks' farm system. Since being drafted by the Diamondbacks, Palka also has spent time in the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals, Mets, and Red Sox organizations.
The slugger made his big league debut in 2018 as a member of the White Sox and had an impressive rookie year. Palka appeared in 124 games for the White Sox and clubbed 27 home runs and drove in 67 runs to go along with a .240/.294/.484 slash line while finishing fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. He struggled out the gate to kick off the 2019 season and was sent down to the minor leagues and hasn't appeared in a big league game since.
Palka signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox ahead of the 2023 campaign and appeared in 79 games with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox. The 31-year-old launched 12 home runs and drove in 48 runs before being released by Boston. Palka already has some experience in the New York farm system after appearing in 109 games with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets in 2022. The slugger was impressive in Syracuse and smashed 26 home runs to go along with 79 RBIs.
New York has had a roller-coaster season, to say the least, and could use some more depth. It wouldn't be too surprising to see Palka get a shot with the big league club before the 2023 season comes to a close.
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