Mets sign Hechavarria to minor-league deal

The New York Mets have signed free-agent shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria to a minor-league contract with an invitation to big-league spring training.

Hechavarria will earn $3 million if he makes the team, and can earn $1 million in bonuses if he spends 100 and 150 days on the Mets' active roster, Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reported Monday.

With the Mets lacking a natural backup shortstop behind presumed starter Amed Rosario, Healey notes that Hechavarria - a true shortstop who also has experience at second and third base - has a "good shot" at making New York's roster.

Hechavarria bounced around last season, suiting up for the Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Yankees. In 94 total games, he hit just .247/.279/.345 with six homers and 31 RBIs but displayed his trademark defense at shortstop by tallying three defensive runs saved, a 1.7 ultimate zone rating, and 5.4 defensive wins above replacement, according to Fangraphs. He made four playoff appearances with the Yankees as a late-inning replacement.

The 29-year-old Cuban is a career .254/.290/.345 hitter across seven big-league seasons with five teams. Defensively, he's saved 22 career runs with a 13.1 UZR and 45.8 dWAR over 6,579 innings at shortstop.