It comes as no surprise that the New York Mets' new first baseman, James Loney, put his San Diego -- area mansion on the market shortly after being traded.
What does come as a surprise is that he's leaving behind over $400,000 in upgrades, including an impressive 81-panel solar energy system that not only takes care of the property's needs, but also provides an energy credit.
The Loneys have listed their 1.19-acre property in the gated Bridlewood Estates in Poway, CA, for $2,495,000.
"They used the house as a vacation home, and with his recent trade to the Mets, they decided it was finally time to let it go," says listing agent Terrence Griffin of Pacific Sotheby's International Realty. Griffin happens to be the preferred Realtor of athletes who have San Diego ties, including Tampa Bay Buccaneer Larry English, NFL wide receiver Britt Davis, San Diego Chargers Corey Liuget and Seyi Ajirotutu, and Ryan Mathews of the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to Griffin, Poway is very popular among professional athletes with families, partly because of its excellent public school system. The Loneys never had the opportunity to take advantage of that aspect, because their children are young and they used the house only while on vacation.
However, the family must have loved the estate's almost nonexistent utility bills, a setup aided by the natural spring on the property which provides most of the water for the home.
"That's a real asset, especially in these times of severe drought," Griffin adds.
The Mediterranean Revival -- style home has four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms in 6,064 square feet of space. Luxury finishes include alder wood cabinets, stainless-steel appliances in a spacious kitchen, travertine marble flooring, and a six-car garage. The massive master bedroom has a tile fireplace, a huge walk-in closet, and views of the nearby hills.
A 45-foot, lagoon-style pool with waterfall and spa, tropical landscaping, and sunset views complete the luxury package.
The Loneys bought the home in 2013 for $1,750,000. Since then, the Houston native has played for the Tampa Bay Rays. More recently, he had a two-month stint with the San Diego Padres' Pacific Coast League before being traded to the Mets in late May.