Mets sign vet Blanco to Minors deal as OF depth

NEW YORK -- As they seek potential upgrades for their starting outfield, the Mets continue to stockpile depth for their bench and Minors. The team on Friday signed 10-year veteran Grégor Blanco to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, where he will compete with Rajai Davis and others for a job.
Blanco, who turns 35 on Monday, hit just .217 with a .580 OPS last season with the Giants, but he posted positive Defensive Runs Saved totals in right and center field. Over 10 seasons with the Braves, Royals, Giants and D-backs, Blanco is a career .255 hitter with a .687 OPS. He won World Series rings with the Giants in 2012 and '14.
The Mets need depth both on their bench, where they currently have no healthy options on their 40-man roster, and at Triple-A Syracuse. Blanco and Davis give the Mets a pair of veteran options behind starters Michael Conforto, Juan Lagares and Brandon Nimmo.
The Mets also continue to look at starting upgrades -- A.J. Pollock is the most high-profile option but perhaps an unrealistic one given the Mets' budget -- that would push Lagares to the bench. The team has discussed using first baseman Dominic Smith, second baseman Jeff McNeil and catcher Travis d'Arnaud in the outfield, as well.
Uncertainty remains regarding the return of Yoenis Céspedes, who underwent a pair of surgeries to remove calcification from his heels. The Mets' broad hope is that Cespedes can return around the All-Star break, giving their outfield yet another boost.