The New York Mets have become the new home for South Korean free agent infielder Choi Ji-man, his agency said on Saturday.
According to G-Man Sports Management, Choi has agreed to a one-year split deal with the Mets that could be worth up to US$3.5 million, including a bonus depending on performance, should he make the Opening Day roster. He was invited to spring training as well.
A player with a split contract receives compensation that varies according to how much time he spends in the majors and minors.
The Mets will be Choi’s seventh team if he makes the big league roster.
The 32-year-old played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Diego Padres in 2023, but his injury schedule kept him to just 39 games. In those games, he only batted.163, but he did have six home runs and thirteen RBIs.
With 525 games played, Choi has a career.234/.338/.426 line with 67 home runs and 238 RBIs.
Five additional major league teams had interest in Choi, according to the agency: the Padres, Washington Nationals, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays. Choi received offers from three Japanese teams, but he chose to give the major leagues another chance.
According to the organization, Choi had been receiving training in Arizona, but on Thursday (U.S. time), he left for Florida to have a physical and signed a contract the next day.
The Mets will hold their first full workout on Monday.