That's because he's agreed to join the New York Mets on a two-year contract, a surprising move that makes Cuddyer the first alluring free agent off the board during this MLB offseason.
Cuddyer, 35, was extended a qualifying offer by the Rockies last week, which meant he could have stayed in Colorado on a one-year, $15.3 million contract.
Since the qualifying-offer system began three years ago, no player has accepted one. Cuddyer, coming off an injury-ridden 2014, seemed like he might be the first. The deadline to reject/accept the deal was 5 p.m. ET Monday.
Instead, this happened:
We don't know the money involved yet, but we do know the baggage that comes with signing a player tagged with a qualifying offer. The Mets now have to give the Rockies their first-round pick in the 2015 draft, the 15th overall pick.
The qualifying offer, most figured, would limited Cuddyer's free-agent market, since he's 35 and hasn't played a full season since 2010. Instead, he's among the first players off the board, and certainly one of the first top players. Jeff Passan has Cuddyer ranked as the 22nd best free agent this winter.
Cuddyer played just 49 games in 2014. He was an All-Star in 2013, though, winning the NL batting title and hitting 20 homers with 84 RBIs in 130 games. Take into account, though, that Cuddyer played his home pages at Coors Field.
So the Mets had to either be in love with Cuddyer or really need a corner outfielder with a bat. Cuddyer did play first and third base in Colorado too, so there's some versatility there, but the Mets have made their outfield and their offense a priority this offseason.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
- - - - - - -
Mike Oz is an editor for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at mikeozstew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz
from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/10S5eT1
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire