Jonathan Villar finalizes $3.55M, 1-year deal with Mets

<p>NEW YORK &mdash; Infielder Jonathan Villar and the New York Mets finalized a $3.55 million, one-year contract Thursday.</p>
<p>Villar, who turns 30 on May 2, adds infield depth behind new shortstop Francisco Lindor and second baseman Jeff McNeil.</p>
<p>Villar split last season between Miami and Toronto, which acquired him in a trade at the Aug. 31 trade deadline. He batted .232 with two homers and 15 RBIs in 185 at-bats, and he earned $3,037,037 prorated from an $8.2 million salary.</p>
<p>During eight major league seasons that included stints with Houston (2013-15), Milwaukee (2016-18) and Baltimore (2018-19), Villar has a .259 average with 80 homers and 283 RBIs. Primarily a middle infielder, he also has played third base but not since 2016. He has 15 big league outfield appearances.</p>
<p>Right-hander Brad Brach was designated for assignment to open a roster spot. The 34-year-old reliever was 1-0 with a 5.84 ERA in 14 appearances last year in his second season with the Mets.</p>
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