Mets Sign Jesse Winker to One-Year Deal
The New York Mets are securing Jesse Winker, bringing back the multi-faceted player for a one-year $8 million deal, pending a physical, as SNY’s Andy Martino reported on Thursday.
Per multiple reports, the Mets are re-signing Jesse Winker to a one-year, $8 million deal https://t.co/QKz6OTTeeq pic.twitter.com/elN3b7LX3v
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) January 16, 2025
The agreement’s financial details have yet to be revealed beyond a $1 million signing bonus, but this move keeps a key piece from the 2024 roster in the fold as the Mets look to build on a deep postseason run for 2025.
Welcome Back, Winker
The 31-year-old on-base-asset began his stint in Queens at the 2024 trade deadline when he was acquired from the Washington Nationals, and he quickly won the hearts of New York fans. Having spent the second half of the season with the Mets, the utility outfielder/designated hitter put up an impressive .253/.360/.405 slash line, crushing 14 home runs, 58 RBIs, and stealing 14 bases throughout the regular season. His lefty bat and ability to work counts balanced the lineup and added a new dimension to the team’s post-Grimace potent offense.
Winker truly shined when it mattered most—in the postseason. Across the Mets’ playoff run, he stepped up in big moments, slashing .318/.531/.636 and shoving an impressive 1.168 OPS. He delivered in several clutch ways that propelled the team within two games of the World Series.
Top Five Favorite Moments from Baseball’s Bad Boy
Jesse Winker’s October performance wasn’t just about his bat—it was about his attitude. From his silver grills to his cigar celebrations, he injected a serious dose of swagger into the Mets’ clubhouse.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable [and my favorite] Jesse Winker moments from the 2024 season:
1. NLDS, New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Winker delivered a no-doubt-shot off Philadelphia’s Aaron Nola, giving the Mets a two-run lead in Game Three at Citi Field. Not only was the ball absolutely demolished and sent to the upper deck of the Coca-Cola Corner, but he knew it was a goner immediately by taking his time coldly staring down his work before rounding the bases. (Featuring the wave he first debuted to Mets fans in 2019, but thankfully for a different reason now).
Absolute scenes at Citi Field. #NLDS pic.twitter.com/npWb2D5w5K
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2024
2. Post NLDS Cigar
Yup. I don’t have any comments on this.
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) January 16, 2025
3. Post NLDS Grills
This one, either.
I got my mouth lookin somethin like a disco ball! Jesse Winker rocking the grill has gotta drive people insaneeeee. If he wasn’t on the Mets I’d hate it. He’s here, I love it. The best pic.twitter.com/l4fwXhtaNi
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) October 9, 2024
4. Wild Card Series, New York Mets vs. Milwaukee Brewers,
Winker and [Brewers] shortstop Willy Adames exchanged some choice words on the field, some of which comprised an invitation to “settle things in the parking lot.” Of course, the Mets answered back by ousting Milwaukee with first baseman Pete Alonso’s game-winning home run in Game Three, and Winker tied things up nicely by declaring in a postgame interview that he’d “hate the city of Milwaukee forever.”
5. NLCS, New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Just ahead of NLCS Game Five against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Winker introduced his unique pregame ritual. Caught lying down barefoot in the outfield with headphones on, he showcased his unconventional approach to locking in. Whether it’s a form of meditation, breathwork, or just a playful jab at the opposing team, it obviously works.
Jesse Winker gets ready for NLCS Game 5 🧘♂️ pic.twitter.com/gXRFWM2HjU
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) October 18, 2024
A Dream Come True
Bringing Winker back has been an offseason must among Mets fans, not only for his baseball utility [and edge] but also because of his true desire to be a New York Met. After the season concluded, Winker spoke openly about what it meant to play in New York,
“I said it was a dream come true, and it really was. Hopefully, I could come back because it was really special to be part of this team and this organization,” he told SNY.
Jesse Winker says "it'd be incredible" and "amazing" if he could return to the Mets next season:
"I said it was a dream come true and it really was. Hopefully I could come back because it was really special to be part of this team and this organization" pic.twitter.com/OecYYsGt0N
— SNY (@SNYtv) October 21, 2024
One-Year Deal, Two Bare Feet, and Zero Love for Milwaukee: The Vibes are Back, Baby
With his return, the Mets retained a prolific postseason pusher. Proving that he can still rake (especially when he’s finally on a team that’s going places), Winker’s ability to come through in big moments will be critical as the 2025 Mets aim to finish what they started. Jesse Winker’s New York story continues—to quote the man himself, “Let’s Go Mets.”
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) January 16, 2025
