Report: Mets, Lowrie agree to 2-year, $20M deal
The New York Mets have agreed to a two-year contract with veteran free-agent infielder Jed Lowrie, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.
The contract is worth $20 million, paying Lowrie $10 million in both 2019 and 2020, a source told SNY's Andy Martino.
Completion of the deal is pending a physical, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reports, citing a source.
The deal reunites Lowrie with his former agent, Brodie Van Wagenen, who took over as the Mets' general manager in November. Lowrie is now represented by Casey Close.
Lowrie brings depth as a versatile and productive infielder who can play second base, shortstop, and third base. He primarily played second during his last three seasons with the Oakland Athletics but did start 14 games at the hot corner last year. He also provides experience, having played on six playoff teams during 11 major-league seasons.
The 34-year-old joins a crowded Mets infield that already includes another utility infield type in highly regarded youngster Jeff McNeil, plus veteran second baseman Robinson Cano and third baseman Todd Frazier.
The Mets plan to give Lowrie everyday play in a utility role across the infield, and he could see time at first base - a position he hasn't played since 2011 - if they decide prospect Peter Alonso isn't ready yet, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.
Mets haven't forgotten about Jeff McNeil with the Jed Lowrie addition, plan is to play him more in the OF than previously thought.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) January 11, 2019
Lowrie just completed the best season of his career, slashing .267/.353/.448 (120 OPS+) with a career-best 23 homers and 99 RBIs across 157 games to help the Athletics reach the playoffs. He was also named an All-Star for the first time.
The Milwaukee Brewers reportedly also had interest in signing Lowrie this winter. Oakland, meanwhile, moved on and traded for Jurickson Profar to play second.