Mets sign RHP Justin Hagenman to big league deal
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The Mets announced a trio of signings on Monday highlighted by right-handed pitcher Justin Hagenman, who received a big league contract despite never having previously played in the Majors. A longtime Dodgers farmhand, Hagenman spent all last season at Boston's Triple-A Worcester affiliate, producing a 4.91 ERA over 15 starts and 13 relief appearances. The other two signings were a pair of Minor League deals for infielder Rafael Ortega and outfielder Donovan Walton.
Ortega, 33, was previously with the Mets as a bench bat in 2023. He made a cameo for the White Sox last season but otherwise spent his summer at Triple-A, where he produced a .911 OPS mostly as a center fielder. Walton, 30, similarly spent the bulk of his year at Triple-A for the Giants, who called him up in September. He's a middle infielder who also has experience at third base and in the outfield.
Both Ortega and Walton received invitations to big league camp, where they'll battle for spots on the Opening Day roster.