METS SIGN JUAN LAGARES THROUGH 2019
FLUSHING, N.Y., April 2, 2015 – The New York Mets today announced that they have agreed to terms with outfielder Juan Lagares on a contract that (will) run through 2019 with a club option for 2020.
“This is a place I want to be,” said Lagares. “The Mets signed me when I was 16. I’m really excited for this season and the future.”
Lagares, 27, earned his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award last year. Lagares finished second among major league outfielders with 28 defensive runs saved in 2014, despite playing 372.0 fewer innings than leader Jason Heyward, who had 32. He had six assists, with three getting a runner at the plate. Lagares’ Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 games (UZR/150) was 25.3, second among all major leaguers.
The 6-1, 215-pounder hit .281 (117-416) with 46 runs scored, 24 doubles, three triples, four home runs, 47 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 116 games last season.
Lagares established a franchise rookie record with 15 outfield assists in 2013 which was also the third-most in the majors. He was named to the Wilson NL Defensive Player of the Year team.
The Constanza, DR native was signed by the Mets as a non-drafted free agent on May 5, 2006.
