NEW YORK -- Infielder Jed Lowrie, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Mets on Wednesday, is no stranger to some in his new organization. He will be reunited with hitting coach Chili Davis and outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who were with Lowrie on the Athletics in 2013 and '14.
Under Davis' tutelage in 2013, Lowrie had one of his best seasons in the big leagues. That year, he hit a career-high .290 with 15 home runs and 75 RBIs. After signing with New York, Lowrie and Davis have communicated via text, and the Mets' new infielder also sent video to Davis on what he has been doing during the offseason.
"I look forward to working with [Davis] again, because we connect on so many levels," Lowrie said. "Chili is one of those guys that had a very fantastic [playing] career, very accomplished hitter. Still, to this day, he understands how hard it is and what it takes to go into how to prepare … every single day."
According to Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, he was in contact with Davis as the team was pursuing Lowrie.
"Chili recognizes Jed's methodical approach [at the plate]," Van Wagenen said. "Jed has a plan every day. He works through his process and his hitting progression. Chili is a worker. Jed is a worker. I think that is something that Chili reinforced when he was sharing his thoughts with me."
As far as Cespedes is concerned, Lowrie called his teammate "dynamic." Cespedes will not return to action until the summer because of injuries to both of his heels.
"He changes the lineup. He changes the way the opposing pitchers pitch to the rest of the lineup," Lowrie said about Cespedes. "He can be such a focal point. Defensively, he has one of the best arms I've ever seen. He is a dynamic player that helps any team win."