10 worst NY Mets free agent signings of the Steve Cohen era

Money doesn't buy happiness. It can buy an underachieving free agent.
Apr 4, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets owner Steve Cohen on the field before the Mets home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets owner Steve Cohen on the field before the Mets home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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5) Joey Wendle

As fans, we all have our opinions on players before they play a game for our teams. Joey Wendle was nothing magnificent, but I saw the reasons for optimism. Since joining Rising Apple in the spring of 2018, I don’t think there is a free agent I was more wrong about than him. Attempting to look at the bright side and realize he could fill in nicely off the bench thanks to his glove, Wendle was anything but a solid role player.

Terrible at the plate, Wendle was rarely used in any kind of role. He batted .222/.243/.250 and departed the Mets with 3 early season errors including 2 in 7 chances at third base. It was defense at third base where the Mets were hoping to get the most out of him. They knew between youngsters Brett Baty and Mark Vientos they could use a veteran presence. Wendle wasn’t the guy.

Signed for just $2 million, this was always meant to be a movable contract the Mets could cut bait with if things didn’t go well. He was officially released on May 20, just days before the full roster purge took place. His release signaled to the fans the Mets weren’t going to milk every last ounce out of players whose careers had already dried up.

The choice of Wendle to be the Mets backup veteran infielder over Jose Iglesias was only the result of the way the contracts were structured; Iglesias signing a minor league deal. The signs were already there that Wendle wouldn’t last the full year. In a regular role with the Miami Marlins the year prior, Wendle batted .212/.248/.306. Already in his mid-30s, it was indeed a sign of his bat slowing down.

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