With the signing of outfielder Ben Gamel to a minor league contract and an invitation to spring training, the Mets added another depth addition today. After spending eight seasons in the major leagues, Gamel only appeared in six games with the Padres in 2023.
Prior to 2023, Gamel had been playing for the Mariners, Brewers, Guardians, and Pirates, averaging over 100 games per season since his rookie season.
Gamel has been hitting in the league at a league average clip for the majority of his career, with a career OPS+ of 96.252/.332/.384. Although he has experience playing all three outfield positions, at this stage of his career, he is most likely a corner outfielder.
Gamel, who turns 32 in May, is expected to begin the season in Syracuse and see action only in the event that those ahead of him on the depth chart are sidelined by injuries or ineptitude. With Starling Marte coming off a disastrous season and DJ Stewart’s value being largely unknown, having a Gamel in the lineup to fill in for an injury is a great asset to have.