New York Mets bring back Matt den Dekker to improve outfield depth
As spring training begins, we are starting to get a good idea of what the New York Mets 25-man roster will look like come Opening Day. On Thursday, the team signed an outfielder who is now going to have a chance to compete for a spot on that roster.
In an attempt to improve their depth in the outfield, the New York Mets signed center fielder Matt den Dekker to a minor contract on Thursday.
The team announced the signing of den Dekker in a statement on their official Twitter account.
We have signed OF @UpperDekker to a minor league contract with an invite to major league #SpringTraining. #Mets
— New York Mets (@Mets) February 15, 2018
Originally regarded as a solid prospect in the Mets organization, den Dekker made his Major League debut in August of 2013. He was traded to the Washington Nationals in exchange for lefty reliever Jerry Blevins just days before the beginning of the 2015 season.
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After a couple of seasons with the Nationals, den Dekker signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins. However, he never played in a game for them. After opting out of his deal with the Marlins in May of last year, den Dekker signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.
Although den Dekker has never been a great hitter, he has made a name for himself with his glove. He is one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball today. However, he has a career batting average of just .234. If he was a little better at the plate, there is no doubt that den Dekker would have a guaranteed spot on an MLB roster.
Although this is not a major signing, den Dekker could help the Mets early in the season if he is able to make the 25-man roster. Outfielder Michael Conforto is going to be sidelined until at least early May because he is still recovering from having shoulder surgery last year. In Conforto’s absence, Juan Lagares is expected to be the Mets starting center fielder.
According to Mike Puma of The New York Post, den Dekker is expected to be the starting center fielder for the Las Vegas 51s in Triple-A to begin the season.
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Matt den Dekker is expected to begin the season as the starting CF at Las Vegas after returning on a minor league deal.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) February 15, 2018
Right now, the Mets have very limited depth in the outfield beyond Yoenis Cespedes, Jay Bruce, Lagares and Brandon Nimmo. At the very least, the signing of den Dekker gives them another option in the event that someone gets injured.