PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Lacking outfield depth, the Mets acquired a familiar face on Thursday, signing Matt den Dekker to a Minor League contract. Den Dekker will report to the Mets' big league Spring Training camp.
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Now 30 years old, den Dekker was the Mets' fifth-round Draft pick in 2010, playing sporadically in the big leagues from 2013 until the Mets traded him to the Nationals two years later for reliever Jerry Blevins. Since departing, the defensive standout has appeared in 78 big league games for the Nats and Tigers.
Back with the Mets, den Dekker provides depth. The Mets have just four healthy outfielders with big league experience on their 40-man roster: Yoenis Cespedes, Juan Lagares, Brandon Nimmo and Jay Bruce, all of whom are expected to break camp with the team. Michael Conforto is still recovering from left shoulder surgery and is unlikely to return until at least May.