The New York Mets have brought back a familiar face for organizational depth, signing outfielder Billy McKinney to a minor-league deal on Thursday. McKinney, 30, will report to Triple-A to join the Mets’ minor league system.
McKinney has had a journeyman career, spending time with several teams, including multiple stints in New York with both the Mets and Yankees. He was traded to the Mets from the Brewers in 2021, where he played in 39 games and hit .220/.304/.473, with five home runs and 14 RBIs. In his most recent time in New York, McKinney appeared in 48 games with the Yankees in 2023, posting a .226 batting average and a .726 OPS with four home runs.
After the 2023 season, the Yankees traded McKinney to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations. He appeared in 10 major-league games for the Pirates in 2024, hitting .200 with a .526 OPS in 25 at-bats. With his return to the Mets, McKinney adds depth to the team’s outfield as he looks to continue his career in the majors.
