The New York Mets have reportedly agreed to a minor league contract with veteran outfielder Cristian Pache, including a non-roster invitation to spring training. The 27-year-old, known for his defensive skills, joins the team after stints with multiple clubs in 2024. While the Mets have not confirmed the deal, fan reactions have been largely negative.
According to multiple reports, including from journalist Pat Ragazzo, the New York Mets reached an agreement with Cristian Pache on a minor league deal on Monday. The contract includes a non-roster invitation to MLB spring training for the 2026 season. The Mets organization has yet to officially confirm the signing.
Pache, a 27-year-old outfielder, is recognized for his strong defensive abilities and throwing arm, allowing him to cover all three outfield positions. He was once a highly regarded prospect, ranked as high as No. 12 by MLB Pipeline ahead of the 2021 season. In his MLB career, Pache has appeared in 251 games, batting .181 with seven home runs and 49 RBIs.
His most recent major league action came in 2024, when he played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and Miami Marlins. That year, he also spent time in Triple-A Reno with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, where he hit .251/.351/.389 with five homers and eight stolen bases over 70 games. Pache's standout MLB performance was in 2023 with the Phillies, where he played 48 games and slashed .238/.319/.417 for a .736 OPS, including two home runs and 11 RBIs.
Fan responses to the signing have been critical, with many expressing disappointment on social media platform X. One user, @Joelsharpee, commented, "Honestly I feel bad for Mets fans…..Pache was so bad on the Phillies." Another, @clemroc44, questioned, "He literally can’t hit at all, what’s the point." Additional reactions included @RogerGu47234594 asking, "Are you kidding?" and @TommyCopp stating, "Stearns is the worst GM in baseball."
This move comes amid the Mets' efforts to bolster their roster during the MLB offseason.