Veteran utility infielder Joey Wendle declined an outright offer from the Braves and instead opted for free agency, according to the transaction log on MiLB.com. Atlanta designated Wendle for assignment just three days after signing him to a major league contract and forced him out last night. He did not appear in the game against the Braves.
Wendle, 34, opened the season with the Mets after signing a one-year, $2MM deal at the start of the season. He was not used to being used by the manager Carlos Mendoza, appearing in just 18 games and totaling 37 plate appearances with a .222/.243/.250 hot line in 37 trips to the plate. It’s the third year in a row that Wendle has turned in offensive numbers, and he did it in a very large sample size with the 2022-23 Marlins. Since being traded from Tampa Bay to Miami in the 2021-22 offseason, Wendle owns just a .237/.273/.331 batting line in 726 plate appearances. By wRC+ rating, that’s about 34% worse than league average production.
At his best, Wendle was a versatile player in Tampa Bay – known for strong communication skills and a diverse defensive skill set that allowed him to handle multiple interior spaces as well as both outside corners. From 2017-21, he slashed a combined .275/.330/.416 — good for a 106 wRC+ (which is production that would be 6% better than league average after weighting home park and league scoring position). He has seen major league time in every infield position except first base and both outfield corners, pitching particularly well in center field.
Now that he’s a free agent again, Wendle can sign with any team looking for outfield depth. The new club will owe him only the split league minimum for any time spent on the active roster or major league injured list. That amount will be deducted from what the Mets owe him at the end of the season. New York will remain on the hook for the entire $2MM salary.
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