It feels like a long time since Adeiny Hechavarria was in a New York Mets uniform, but he actually spent about two thirds of the season in Queens. The Mets parted ways with Hechavarria in a controversial way and it led to him signing with the rival Braves.
Adeiny Hechavarria said he went to dinner in Miami last week with Brodie Van Wagenen, Mickey Callaway and Jim Riggleman, who sold him on joining the Mets.
“They told me about all the possibilities they had for me,” Hechavarria said.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) February 19, 2019
Hechavarria was brought in prior to the season to add some much needed depth to the Mets infield. He is known for his defensive ability and would not have any pressure to produce with the bat. Hechavarria’s deal included an opt-out which could be used if he was not on the major league roster by May 1.
Hechavarria or Smith?
On May 1, the organization decided to call-up Hechavarria and send down Dominic Smith in a move that drew a lot of criticism. He was used mainly to pinch hit and as a defensive upgrade, but was plugged into an everyday role once Robinson Cano got injured.
Adeiny Hechavarria with some serious bat-flip swag on his go-ahead, three-run shot.pic.twitter.com/uADrfAtuiF
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 25, 2019
He filled the role adequately and even flipped out three home runs along with 12 RBIs during Cano’s stint on the IL. When Cano returned, Hechavarria was relegated back to bench duty. For the rest of his time as a Met, he only .179 with a .286 slugging percentage.
The Cheapness Never Ends
Hechavarria was due $1 million if he was on the major league roster for 100 days and the Mets designated him for assignment on August 7, less than a week before he would reach the century mark. He moved on to the Atlanta Braves and made the Mets regret their decision to cut him. Hechavarria hit over .300, supplied big hits against his former team and was happy to move to a winning team.
It's through a translator, but after the Braves won tonight, Adeiny Hechavarría made this comment ?
"I just want to thank god for the opportunity, removing me from the Mets and putting me on this team" (via @FOXSportsBraves) pic.twitter.com/XqNJL73KfU
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 22, 2019
Grades:
Hitting for Average: D-, His primary job was not to hit, but it was not to hit this poorly either
Hitting for Power: D, Five home runs is actually a good mark, but then again…juiced balls
Defense: C, Solid job all around. He was able to play three of the four infield spots
Speed/Baserunning: C, Not a base stealer but did swipe three bags and has above average speed
Intangibles: B, nothing special in the clubhouse, but was not bad either
Overall: D, expectations very low for him, but they were only met on defense. Exceeded expectations as a Brave