Mets Sign Juan Lagares and Brian Dozier to Minor League Deals to increase roster depth

Mets CF Juan Lagares (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets signed centerfielder Juan Lagares and second baseman Brian Dozier to minor league deals today. They have released Gordan Beckham and Mekly Cabrera as corresponding roster moves. Lagares and Dozier were signed to add roster depth before Opening Day on Friday. They will start the season at the team's alternate training site in Brooklyn as opposed to the Major League roster.

Lagares played for the Mets from 2013-2019 and was known for his defense. He won a Gold Glove in 2014. His offense never matched his defense and he hit only .254 in his Met career.  Lagares could play a role this year since back-up centerfielder Jake Marisnik as a hamstring injury.

Dozier has been in the Major Leagues for eight years playing mostly with the Minnesota Twins and then going to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018 and the defending World Series Championship Washington Nationals last year where he hit 20 home runs. He has played second base and shortstop in his career. Dozier also won a Gold Glove in 2017 and was an All-Star in 2015. He was a MVP candidate in the 2015-2017 seasons and finished as high as 11th in 2017. In 2016, he became the first shortstop in American League history with 40 home runs in a season. He was also the 13th second baseball in Major League Baseball history and first in Twins history with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season.  Dozier will provide speed and power off the bench and insurance depth at a couple of positions. He can help serve as a utility man off the bench with Jed Lowrie's status a question mark. Dozier can help give Jeff McNeil, Robinson Cano and Amed Rosario a much needed rest now and then during the season as it progresses.