Mets Sign Veteran Outfielder To Bolster Depth

The New York Mets have added more depth.

On Friday, the Mets signed outfielder Taylor Kohlwey to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, as the team announced.

Kohlwey was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 21st round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He spent seven seasons in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut during the 2023 season.

Kohlwey played just a week in the major leagues with the Padres, going 2-for-13 with five strikeouts, before being sent back down to Triple-A.

The 29-year-old slashed .276/.390/.437, a .827 OPS, with 12 home runs and 29 doubles in Triple-A last season. He has posted an OPS of .800 or better in four straight minor league seasons. For his career in Triple-A, Kohlwey has hit .296/.387/.444 and has a strong walk rate and low strikeout rate.

Kohlwey has experience playing all three outfield spots and first base, but is primarily a corner outfielder. 

Kohlwey is a likely candidate to spend the 2024 season at Triple-A Syracuse, serving as outfield depth for the Mets.