Bad Free Agent Signings

Bad Free Agent Signings: Pedro Astacio

Before signing Pedro Martínez in 2005, the Mets signed another Dominican pitcher named Pedro with a bum arm on Dec. 16, 2001. Pedro Astacio was famous for his ability to surrender the long ball. He started out strong for the Mets and did not get a deserved All-Star nod in…

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Mets Coach Bobby Valentine, left, and General Manager Steve Philips, right, introduce "stolen base king" Rickey Henderson, at a news conference given by the Mets at Shea Stadium in New York, Monday, Dec. 21, 1998. The Mets signed Henderson for $2.3 million for one year with an option for a second. (AP Photo/Ed Bailey)

Bad Free Agent Signings: Rickey Henderson

In December 1998, Rickey Henderson joined his sixth club, the New York Mets, as a free agent. The following year was filled with ups and downs for the future Hall of Famer. He exceeded all expectations — batting .315, getting on base at a .423 clip, and stealing 37 bases…


Satoru Komiyama

Bad Free Agent Signings: Satoru Komiyama

On December 1, 2001, the Mets sign star Japanese pitcher Satoru Komiyama to a 1-year contract for $500,000. The 36-year-old Komiyama was a 7-time All-Star in Japan with the Lotte Orions/Chiba Lotte Marines and Yokohama Bay Stars. Komiyama career record was below .500 in Japan. He was a disaster in…


Tom Glavine

Bad Free Agent Signings: Tom Glavine

On December 8, 2002, the Mets’ offer of 3 guaranteed years for $35 million, plus options for a fourth year as his best option for reaching 300 wins. His new contract with the Mets was worth between $35-42 million. Tom Glavine, one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball…


Bad Free Agent Signings: Michael Cuddyer

Michael Cuddyer is a great guy and was a terrific player. Great with the media and fans doing tricks with kids on Citi Vision. But no longer great at the plate and in the outfield. On November 10, 2014, the Mets signed the longtime pal of Mets captain David Wright….


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…