Mets sign Cristian Pache to compete for outfield spot

The Mets added a veteran defensive presence to their roster depth Monday.

Cristian Pache, regarded mostly for his range and strong arm, reached agreement with the club on a minor league contract, an industry source confirmed. Pache, 27, spent last season in Triple-A for the Diamondbacks after playing for three organizations in 2023. Pache will receive an invite to spring training.

It’s likely the Mets view Pache in the same light as Jose Siri, who was acquired last offseason to give the team depth behind another defensive specialist, Tyrone Taylor. Siri spent most of the season on the injured list rehabbing a fractured left tibia and was released by the club after returning in August.

Pache, whose career began with the Braves, posted a .200/.273/.279 slash line with one homer and 16 RBIs with the Phillies, Orioles and Marlins in 2024.

As it stands, the Mets have Taylor and prospect Carson Benge as center field possibilities for next season. The Mets have a glaring vacancy in left field following the trade that sent Brandon Nimmo to Texas for Marcus Semien. Jeff McNeil (a possibility to be traded) remains as a utility option who can play all three outfield positions in addition to second base.

President of baseball operations David Stearns indicated last week at the Winter Meetings that he was confident there is enough remaining inventory on the market to potentially give the Mets a boost in the outfield.