3 NY Mets minor league free agent signings stealing the show from top prospects

The Mets picked up a handful of players on minor league contracts to add depth. But in these 3 cases, they're stealing the show from some of the Mets' best prospects.
Feb 12, 2025; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Brandon Waddell (82) pitches during a Spring Training workout at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Feb 12, 2025; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Brandon Waddell (82) pitches during a Spring Training workout at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
3 of 3

3) Niko Goodrum

Niko Goodrum has been a journeyman utility man for most of his career. The switch-hitter is mainly known for his four-season stint with Detroit from 2018 through 2021. Goodrum was tossed around like hot potato in 2024, as he was a member of five different organizations throughout the year.

Goodrum would only end up appearing in 13 games with 33 plate appearances for the LA Angels and Tampa Bay Rays, collecting just three hits with ten K’s. Most of his season was spent at Triple-A, where he put up a .284/.374/.460 line with a .373 wOBA, and 120 wRC+. Goodrum struck out 27.2% of the time but drew walks in 11.9% of his plate appearances.

The Mets then picked Goodrum up on April 3rd and has been red hot ever since. It has only been 34 plate appearances, but he owns a .269/.412/.500 slashline. He still owns a mediocre 23.5% K% with a 31.1% whiff rate. But he’s taken ball four in 17.6% of his PAs. Goodrum already has as many doubles as he has singles (three each) and has hit one home run.

Goodrum leads all Mets Triple-A batters with at least 30 plate appearances in wRC+, OPS, OBP, and wOBA. Goodrum has an impressive 96.3 MPH exit velocity. Not only does that also lead all Mets Triple-A and A-Ball hitters with at least 30 trips to the dish, but it does so by a large margin. The next closest is Willy Fanas at 93.8 MPH. It is also the fifth-best among all Triple-A hitters.