3 minor league free agent deals the Mets should consider for DH insurance

3) Kole Calhoun

The 2023 season was a weird one for Kole Calhoun. He is best known for his time with the Los Angeles Angels playing alongside Mike Trout, but spent last season with multiple organizations. 

The 36-year-old signed with the Seattle Mariners in February, was released in March, signed with the New York Yankees in April, was released in June, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers three days later, and was finally purchased by the Cleveland Guardians in early August. Only Cleveland gave him a chance to play in the majors. It didn’t go so well with Calhoun slashing .217/.282/.376 in his 174 plate appearances.

A third left-handed hitter on this list as well, he, too, is someone destined to sign a minor league pact. He’s several years removed from being his best, but can still occasionally deliver a home run.

At the Triple-A level last year, Calhoun batted .297/.376/.530 with 17 doubles and 9 home runs in 266 chances. One could doubt he has anything left to give versus major league pitching. For some veteran insurance that won’t cover much more than some chipped paint, there’s no harm.

The Mets have signed mostly pitchers to minor league deals this offseason. Another bat, even with nothing more than an invite to spring training in case someone pulls a hammy too soon, could be next on the docket. We’d expect nothing and be fully satisfied with anything these guys give us.