Mets ink former All-Star Panik
The New York Mets and second baseman Joe Panik agreed to a major-league deal after he cleared waivers Friday, the team announced.
Infielder Adeiny Hechavarria was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. Hechavarria was due a $1-million bonus if he reached 100 days with the major-league club, which would have kicked in on Saturday, acording to Tim Britton of The Athletic.
New York had reportedly expressed interest in Panik after the San Francisco Giants designated him for assignment Tuesday.
An All-Star in 2015, Panik has struggled in recent seasons. His lackluster play reached a fever pitch in 2019 when he hit .235/.310/.317 with three home runs in 103 games with the Giants.
The Mets have dealt with a number of significant injuries this season, with a couple impacting players at the keystone. Robinson Cano recently tore his hamstring and is without a timetable for return, and offseason signing Jed Lowrie hasn't played at all this season thanks to a lingering knee injury.
Hechavarria has been filling in at second and Jeff McNeil has spent time there in addition to his work at multiple other positions.