November 2015

Kazuo Matsui

Bad Free Agent Signings: Kaz Matsui

On December 10, 2003, the New York Mets signed Japanese infielder Kaz Matsui to a three-year, $20.1 million deal. The Mets meant the move to be their answer to the Yanks’ signing the previous year of Hideki Matsui. In Japan, Matsui had displayed speed, power and durability, and was a…


Roger Cedeno

Bad Free Agent Signings: Roger Cedeno

In 1999, New York Mets outfielder Roger Cedeno hit .313, with an on base percentage of .396, and a slugging percentage of .408. They would all turn out to be career bests. Following the season, on December 11, the Mets traded Cedeno to the Houston Astros. After two seasons, the…


Bad Free Agent Signings: Bobby Bonilla

The New York Mets decided to test the free-agent waters before the 1992 season. The Mets whose five-year $29 million contract made Bobby Bonilla, eventually won the highest-paid player in baseball history a hectic bidding war. The deal seemed like a match made in heaven. The rebuilding Mets had added…


Bad Free Agent Signings: Vince Coleman

St. Louis Cardinals speedster Vince Coleman signed with the Mets after the 1990 season via free agency, signing a four-year, $11.95 million contract. However, his career took a quick downward spiral. Coleman missed 215 games (out of a possible 486) due to numerous injuries and suspensions. Apparently the Cardinals knew…


Bad Free Agent Signings: Jason Bay

On December 29, 2009, Jason Bay agreed to a four-year, $66 million contract with the New York Mets, which also included a vesting option for a fifth year. Bay won the 2004 National League Rookie of the Year award with the Pirates and was a three-time All-Star. In 2009 with…


Bad Free Agent Signings: Oliver Perez

Although pitcher Oliver Perez was acquired in a trade back in July of 2006 with reliever Roberto Hernandez for outfielder Xavier Nady. The resigning of Perez back 2009 truly stands out in his Met career. Perez was included in the deal after the injury of reliever Duaner Sanchez. Sanchez suffered…


Bad Free Agent Signings: Tsuyoshi Shinjo

During Shinjo’s final year with the Hanshin Tigers in 2000, he batted .278 with 28 HR’s, 15 steals and 85 RBI. It was his first good offensive season in Japan and hardly a great one. After that year, Tsuyoshi Shinjo became a free agent. He went on to sign with…