Mets sign Jed Lowrie to two-year deal

In a move that virtually no one saw coming, the Mets added to their infield arsenal by signing free agent Jed Lowrie to a 2/$20 million deal.

An All-Star for the A’s in 2018, Lowrie delivered 23 HR and 99 RBIs while slashing .801 last year. A switch-hitter, Lowrie put up a .713 OPS versus LHP last year, not exactly a big righty bat. He played 136 games at second base and 14 at third base. Where he plays on the Mets is a bit of a mystery. Robinson Cano would seem to be the starter at second while Todd Frazier would be the presumed guy at third.

Perhaps this means that Frazier is the odd man out. Or maybe Cano is being penciled in at first base with Lowrie taking over at second. It’s just an odd move to commit two years to a guy without an obvious position and who will play 2019 at his age 35 season. And it further means that Jeff McNeil better bring his outfield glove with him to Spring Training.

Lowrie put up a 4.9 fWAR last year, adding to the image of the 2019 Mets being all-in on the playoffs. The A’s chose not to extend Lowrie the Qualifying Offer, meaning there’s no compensation owed Oakland for signing the veteran.

While there are concerns about Brodie Van Wagenen and his Over The Hill Gang, Lowrie is a good player. It just seems like an odd fit for the Mets. Maybe there’s another shoe to drop. Or maybe Mickey Callaway has his work cut out for him, trying to make all of the infield pieces fit.