The longest-tenured New York Met has finally found a new home. Juan Lagares has signed with the San Diego Padres on a one-year, $1.4 million deal, should he make the big league team out of Spring Training.
Source confirms Juan Lagares has agreed to a one-year deal with the Padres. He’ll earn $1.4 million plus another potential $1 million in performance bonuses. @JonHeyman first with the agreement.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 11, 2020
In 2014, Lagares won the Gold Glove and is the last Met to win the award. His 2014 season resulted in the Mets signing him to a five-year extension. Initially, the Mets hoped to have him cheap as he blossomed to become the everyday centerfielder. Lagares never panned out as a hitter and only hit .248/.294/.357 with 17 home runs during the duration of his deal.
When the Mets traded for Jake Marisnick, it effectively ended his Mets career. Marisnick is a cheaper and younger player who slightly better. Lagares received ample playing time during the second half of 2019. His performance started strong, but he regressed to the numbers he typically put up.
New Life in San Diego
Lagares will have an excellent opportunity to earn himself a roster spot with the Padres. The only definite is left fielder Tommy Pham. The rest of the outfield cast is Wil Myers, along with unproven young players. Lagares would offer a strong defensive player with veteran experience to an up and coming team. Currently, Drew Pomeranz and 2015 World Series opponent Eric Hosmer, as the only players on the 40-man roster to play in the fall classic.