The Mets announced that they’ve designated infielder Luis De Los Santos for assignment. That creates a 40-man roster spot for Nick Madrigal, who officially signed his one-year free agent contract.
New York had claimed De Los Santos off waivers from the Blue Jays within the first few days of the offseason. The 26-year-old had spent his entire career with the Toronto organization until then. De Los Santos signed with the Jays out of the Dominican Republic in 2015. He played eight seasons in the minors and was called up for the first time after the trade deadline. De Los Santos appeared in 13 games late in the year, hitting .172 with a pair of doubles across 31 plate appearances.
The righty hitter appeared in 43 contests with Triple-A Buffalo last season. He hit .268/.376/.486 over 154 trips to the plate. That improved his career Triple-A batting line to .228/.343/.393 in parts of three seasons. De Los Santos has shown a decent eye (12.7% walk rate) with below-average contact rates at that level. Primarily a shortstop, he has a decent amount of experience at all four infield positions.
New York is likely to put De Los Santos back on waivers within the next few days. He has two option years remaining, so a team could keep him in Triple-A if they’re willing to carry him on the 40-man roster. De Los Santos has never been outrighted and would not have the ability to elect free agency if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
Why not play Luisangel Acuna? Or bring back Jose Iglesias? Mauricio mightbe ready by mid-season, too. McNeil is fading but still runs circles around Madrigal.
Madrigal has an option, so that is the key here.
Louie, Louie, oh baby, take me where you gotta go……
Joey Wendle 2.0
We barely knew ya
Pizza pizza!
Luis De Los Santos was also the name of a ballplayer for the Royals back in the late 80’s. Follow me for more useless information that will have no effect on your life.
I love useless info. Did you know North Dakota was our 39th state.
Still waiting on Boomers’s prediction for tonight. I guess he wasn’t dumb enough to bet the farm.
De Los Santos’ bat is a big question mark but he can play a really good third base. If Pete doesn’t re-sign, having LDLS kicking around at Syracuse wouldn’t be a bad thing. I think he’ll clear waivers but no guarantee.
Smart acquisition by Mets. Versatile and rarely strikes out. Pity Polar Bear most likely not coming back. Read he might sign with the Reds. Look out if Pete plays in Cincy. In that ballpark he could hit 70 home runs.