The New York Mets have officially signed experienced outfielder Ben Gamel to a minor league agreement, according to an announcement from the team. Gamel, who is represented by Wasserman, will participate in the major league camp during spring training as a non-roster invitee.
This move is part of the Mets’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their depth options for the upcoming season. Throughout the winter, they have been actively pursuing minor league contracts and making waiver claims for veteran players. At 31 years old, Gamel brings a wealth of experience from his eight seasons in the major leagues, primarily with the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates. While he has displayed excellent plate discipline, his power numbers have been modest, with a career batting line of .252/.332/.384. Gamel has shown an ability to draw walks, with a 10.1% walk rate throughout his career. Since 2021, that rate has increased to 11.8% in 838 plate appearances. However, he has never hit more than 11 home runs in a single season, and his slugging ability, as indicated by his .131 ISO, falls below the league average.
In terms of defense, Gamel has played all three outfield positions in the major leagues, but his skills are best suited for left field. While he has accumulated over 2600 innings in center field throughout his career, he has only spent one inning at the position in the past two seasons. Additionally, he has made occasional appearances at first base, providing him with some added versatility.
Considering the Mets’ current outfield situation, Gamel faces stiff competition for a spot on the roster. Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, and Starling Marte are expected to handle the majority of the outfield duties, with DJ Stewart and Tyrone Taylor also on the team’s 40-man roster. It is likely that Gamel will join Trayce Thompson as a depth option in Triple-A Syracuse, where he will bring his extensive outfield experience. In the event of an injury that necessitates an additional outfielder or a left-handed bat off the bench, Gamel could be the first player called up to fill the void.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com