Mets free agent retrospective: The Moises Alou signing

On November 20, 2006, the New York Mets signed free agent Moises Alou to a two-year deal worth $15 million. It was a pretty big commitment for a player who would be playing the 2007 campaign at age 40.

Alou appeared in only 98 games for the 2006 San Francisco Giants. Injuries began to take a greater toll on the aging outfielder. He was productive but frequently missing time.

The Mets were willing to take a risk. In some ways, the free agent deal worked. In one big way, it didn’t.

A look back at the Mets free agent signing of Moises Alou

Alou had one of the best 102 games in Mets history. A slash line of .342/.391/.507 highlights this. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Alou’s time with the team, you may have already figured out the issue. It was in only 102 games and the contract was for two seasons.

Alou played in 87 games for the 2007 Mets. In many ways, he was exactly what they were hoping for. Alou hit .341/.392/.524 for them. His power was present with 13 home runs in 360 opportunities.

Most notable of all, Alou had a 30-game hitting streak. It was and remains the longest in franchise history.

Something about Alou told the Mets he’d be able to stay on the field the following season. His two-year contract had a club option for 2008. Unwisely, they picked it up.

Alou did hit for the Mets but was limited to only 15 games. He wouldn’t make his season debut until May 2. He’d only play in one game after May 21. An appearance on June 10 marked the final MLB game of his career.

The Alou free agent signing is one of the more interesting in Mets history. He produced. He just wasn’t available. He set a franchise record. The team would have liked to see more of him.