METS SIGN OUTFIELDER MICHAEL CUDDYER
FLUSHING, N.Y., November 10, 2014 – The New York Mets today announced the club signed outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two-year contract.
Cuddyer, 35, is a two-time All-Star and the 2013 NL batting champion after he hit a career-best .331 (162-489) in 130 games with Colorado. A veteran of 14 major league seasons with the Rockies and Minnesota, Cuddyer, who throws and hits righthanded, owns a .279 (1,424-5,109) career average in 1,419 games.
“Michael is a tremendous addition to the middle of our lineup,” Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson said. “He is a proven offensive threat who also brings versatility in the field with the ability to play multiple positions.”
Cuddyer appeared in 49 games with Colorado last season, hitting .332 (63-190) with 10 home runs and 31 RBI. In the last season of a three-year deal he signed with the Rockies in 2011, Cuddyer made starts at first base (11), third base (2) and right field (35). He missed time with a left shoulder strain and a left hamstring strain, making three separate trips to the disabled list.
Originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the first round of the 1997 First-Year Player Draft out of Great Bridge (VA) High School, Cuddyer made his major league debut in 2001 with the Twins. He has hit double-digit home runs in 10 of the last 11 seasons, including a career-best 32 in 2009.
He went to six postseasons with Minnesota (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010), hitting .338 (25-74) in 22 playoff games. He helped the Twins reach the ALCS in 2002.
The 6-2, 220-pound native of Norfolk, VA was the National League’s starting DH in the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field, and was named as the Twins’ lone representative in 2011.