After three years with the Washington Nationals, this part-time player has found a new home with a National League East rival.
The Washington Nationals lost a player with three years in their system and a possible first-base option as Joey Meneses signed a minor-league deal with the New York Mets on Friday.
According to the New York Post, the agreement is a non-guaranteed minor league contract. Meneses became a free agent after the Nationals waived him at the end of the season, and he went unclaimed by other teams.
Joey Meneses’ departure marks the end of what once seemed like a promising chapter for the Mexican-born player, who began his professional career with the Atlanta Braves in 2011 but didn’t reach the Major Leagues until his debut with the Nationals in 2022.
Meneses’ arrival sparked excitement among Nationals fans. In his debut season, he delivered an impressive slash line of .324/.367/.563 over 56 games, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 34 runs. This strong performance gave Washington hope that he could maintain similar production across a full season.
Additionally, Meneses’ ability to play both first base and the outfield provided the team with valuable positional versatility.
In 2023, Joey Meneses played a full season, but his performance dipped compared to his impressive debut. His slash line fell to .275/.321/.401, although he matched his 2022 home run total with 13 and significantly increased his RBI count to 89.
However, Meneses faced greater challenges last season as the Nationals’ influx of young talent began reaching the majors, taking away playing time at his positions. He appeared in 76 games, posting a slash line of .231/.291/.302 with three home runs and 42 RBI.
By July, Washington sent Meneses to Triple-A Rochester, where he spent the remainder of the season. Following this, the Nationals opted to waive him, and Meneses chose to enter free agency.
Joey Meneses is expected to face limited playing opportunities with the Mets, where he’ll primarily be considered a bench option as an outfielder and hitter. The team’s outfield is already well-stocked, including the return of standout player Mark Vientos.
One potential avenue for more playing time could arise if Pete Alonso departs in free agency, which would make first base a competitive spot for Meneses and any other additions the Mets make.
In a related move, the Mets also signed former Nationals pitcher Hobie Harris, who spent the 2023 season with Minnesota. Harris appeared in 16 games for Washington earlier that year.
