NEW YORK (AP) – The New York Mets made baseball’s first splash of the offseason, agreeing Monday to a two-year contract with two-time All-Star outfielder Michael Cuddyer worth about $21 million.
The 2013 NL batting champion became the first top free agent to switch teams since the World Series. Cuddyer, who turns 36 in March, had until later in the day to decide whether to accept a $15.3 million qualifying offer from Colorado.
Cuddyer hit .332 with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs this year in a season interrupted by injuries.
He was limited to 49 games and was on the disabled list three times because of a strained left shoulder and a strained left hamstring. From mid-April to early September, he spent of a part of each month on the DL.
The Mets went 79-83 last season and are hoping to contend for a playoff spot next year, boosted by a strong rotation helped by the return of ace Matt Harvey from Tommy John surgery.