The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Infielder Danny Espinosa signed to minor-league deal
NEW YORK — Danny Espinosa and the New York Mets have agreed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.
The veteran switch-hitter gives the Mets even more depth in a crowded infield. He could be a backup option at shortstop behind Amed Rosario.
Espinosa spent last season in Triple-A with three organizations: the Blue Jays, Dodgers and Phillies. He was released by Philadelphia in August.
The 31-year-old is a .221 career hitter with 98 homers and 316 RBIs in 872 major-league games over eight seasons with the Nationals, Angels, Mariners and Rays. He has mostly played second base but was Washington’s everyday shortstop in 2016, when he batted .209 with a career-high 24 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Espinosa has also played third base, first base and left field in the big leagues.
The Mets announced the deal Friday.
METS TO PLAY IN LONDON?
Major League Baseball is considering one of two matchups for its 2020 series in London: New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals or Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals.
Two people familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press of the potential matchups. They spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcements had been authorized. An announcement is expected after Opening Day this year.
MLB’s first games in Britain are scheduled for this summer, when the World Series champion Boston Red Sox play the New York Yankees at London’s Olympic Stadium on June 29-30. The venue was built for the 2012 Olympics and reconfigured for the Premier League club West Ham United.
Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement calls for a 2020 opener in Asia, April games in Mexico, May games in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic and June games in Britain.