Re-grading all 6 MLB free agent deals the NY Mets signed this offseason

Luis Garcia: B

No, I’m not jumping for joy over this signing. However, there’s little to dislike. On an incentive-based contract, the Mets are paying Luis Garcia a very modest amount to be a middle reliever they can turn to in the earlier part of games. He’s a ground ball specialist we’ll come to appreciate or despise very quickly.

Giving this signing a B is generous. Let’s take into account the cost, his expectations, and the alternatives. The Mets probably weren’t going to ever sign another major free agent. Garcia, with some recent success and the ground ball ability David Stearns seems to adore, could see his entire stint with the Mets be largely dependent on how Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco figure out their new positions. Those questions at the corner infield will undoubtedly help make or break his season in New York.

Getting Garcia at such a cheap rate, $1.75 million with incentives that can push it to $3 million, puts him in a place where money can help motivate the veteran hurler a little extra. He’s also a guy the Mets can move on from quite easily at the trade deadline with a DFA, just in case they’re looking for a different kind of flavor in relief. 

Nearly every bullpen addition will work out superbly or terribly. Garcia is no exception.

For now, enjoy one of the first lines of defense in relief for the Mets. Hope the ball stays on the ground and doesn’t bleed through to the outfield dirt.