Mets Sign Nick Madrigal to One-Year Deal: What It Means for the Infield
The New York Mets have added even more infield depth, signing utilityman Nick Madrigal to a one-year split contract for $1.35 million, with up to $500K in performance incentives. On paper, it’s not exactly a needle-moving addition—Madrigal hit just .221 with a 54 OPS+ in 94 plate appearances across 51 games for the Cubs last season, but nonetheless, the more depth, the better.
The Mets are in agreement with infielder Nick Madrigal, pending a physical
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 31, 2025
Though he’s been plagued by the injury bug, he’s a consistent situational hitter. What he lacks in “power” at the plate, he decently makes up for with contact and defensive versatility, a skill set that could prove useful in the proper role.
At his best, Madrigal is a high-contact hitter with an ability to put the ball in play—a little small ball for the Mets could prove extremely useful. His defense at third and second base is certainly a compliment to the Mets’ current infield projection, and while he doesn’t have the strongest arm for the hot corner [every day], his range and instincts are compensatory. He’s capable of filling in at second as well, though with Jeff McNeil there and a potential Mark Vientos/Brett Baty platoon at third/first and Luisangel Acuña in the mix, Madrigal’s immediate role is unclear.
Depth, Depth, Depth
If anything, this feels like a depth hedge. The Mets’ current infield situation is still a little fluid, with question marks at the corners. Regardless of fan perception when it comes to a “lack of experience” among those in question to start this upcoming season, there is a strong confidence in Carlos Mendoza’s ability to effectively manage the roster. Baty and Vientos offer versatility on both sides of the field, McNeil is having a great offseason and is set at second base, Acuña showed promise in 2024, and there is extended depth in Jared Young, Ronny Mauricio, Joey Meneses, and outfielder/DH/etc. Jesse Winker, as well. The Mets are clearly making sure they have bodies in case things don’t go according to plan.
Get Ready to learn “OMG,” buddy
But does this take the Mets out of the conversation for bringing back José Iglesias? Madrigal’s defense is certainly useful, but Iglesias is a true defensive asset (that still shows some flair) and could be a better option for a team that doesn’t necessarily need another light-hitting infielder with a vacant clean-up spot. And unless Madrigal wants to also moonlight as a popstar, Mets fans have been sure to voice their preferences online as “Candelita” is beloved.
Realistically, the Mets could still bring back Iglesias if they want a more reliable utility glove, especially given how things looked at the start of last year and how impactful he was in the field, lineup, and clubhouse. As much as I’d love for him to stay a Met for a bench role (even as a bench coach), Iglesias proved to still have far too much in the tank to start discussing scaling back the baseball activities. You can’t help but want the best possible outcome for a player like him.
Former Mets IF Jose “Candelita” Iglesias has been awarded the Best Latin Artist award at this year’s #GRAMMYs
New Mets’ IF Nick Madrigal will look to kickstart his music career this season on SoundCloud. pic.twitter.com/hdg1rbCAyA
— woli (@wolitakeiteasy) February 3, 2025
Ya Gotta Believe
The beautiful thing about baseball is that it’s not always the power-hitters who make the game exciting; Madrigal’s consistent bat could make an exceptional difference. Ultimately, this is a smart and low-risk depth move that offers flexibility. As we’ve seen all offseason, the Mets are looking to compete, and even these supporting-role signings highlight that. This is an organization making intelligent moves that understands the need for depth and versatility at every level.
