The New York Mets just made a low-cost, low-risk move to add to their roster depth. They agreed to a minor-league deal with infielder Christian Arroyo, who gets an invite to big-league spring training.
This signing won’t make headlines, but it does show how the Mets are filling out the edges of their roster before the 2026 season.
Mets Add Experienced Depth with Christian Arroyo
Arroyo turns 31 in May and comes to the Mets as a name baseball fans might recognize. He was once a promising infield prospect, but these days he’s more of a veteran depth guy trying for another shot in the majors.
The Mets view Arroyo as a non-roster invitee who’ll get a shot at a bench role during spring training. With their current roster flexibility and several players who still have minor-league options, he’s got at least a chance.
A Look Back at Arroyo’s MLB Track Record
From 2017 to 2023, Arroyo played 295 major-league games with the Giants, Rays, Guardians, and Red Sox. He posted a .252/.299/.394 slash line with 24 home runs and an 86 wRC+.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but there are some positives. His 21.7% strikeout rate was solid for an infielder, showing he usually puts the ball in play. Still, his 5.1% walk rate held back his on-base percentage and limited his offensive value.
Defensive Versatility Keeps Him Relevant
Arroyo keeps getting chances because he can play all four infield spots and has even spent time in right field. That kind of flexibility makes him a decent utility option if he can hit enough to stick around.
For a team like the Mets, having players who can move around is a big deal during a long season full of injuries and lineup shuffles.
Recent Minor-League Performance Sparks Some Optimism
Over the last two years, Arroyo played in the minors after signing with the Brewers in 2024 and the Phillies in 2025. Neither team called him up, but he did make some noise with his bat recently.
Last season, playing for Philadelphia’s Triple-A affiliate, Arroyo hit .314/.384/.485 in 45 games. A .375 BABIP helped those numbers, so there was some luck involved, but he still showed he can hit at the Triple-A level.
How Arroyo Fits into the Mets’ Roster Picture
The Mets’ infield is mostly set as camp approaches. Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien are locked in for the middle infield, and Pete Alonso’s move to Baltimore leaves first base a little more open. Jorge Polanco might get time at first or serve as the designated hitter.
Given all that, Arroyo’s shot at making the roster looks slim, but it’s not out of the question. To make the team, he’ll probably need to:
- Beat out other bench options this spring
- Prove he can handle multiple positions on defense
- Hit enough to make his versatility worthwhile
High Stakes, Limited Safety Net
If Arroyo cracks the Opening Day roster, he’ll be out of minor-league options. The Mets would have to risk losing him on waivers if they try to send him back to Triple-A later in the season.
That adds a real layer of decision-making pressure.
For Arroyo, it’s another shot—maybe his last—to turn a productive spring into a real major league return.
Here is the source article for this story: Mets To Sign Christian Arroyo To Minor League Deal
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