Port St. Lucie, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The New York Mets made it official on Thursday, signing outfielder Juan Lagares to a four-year contract with a team option for 2020.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but reports on Wednesday said the contract is worth $23 million plus a team option of $9.5 million for his first year of free agency in 2020.
"This is a place I want to be," said Lagares. "The Mets signed me when I was 16. I'm really excited for this season and the future."
Lagares, entering his third season in the league, hit .281 with four homers and 47 RBI last season, earning a Gold Glove for his efforts in center field.
Known for his defensive prowess, Lagares finished second among major league outfielders with 28 defensive runs saved in 2014, despite playing 372.0 fewer innings than leader Jason Heyward, who had 32. He had six assists, including three at home plate.
Lagares, 26, is a career .262 hitter with eight homers and 81 RBI in 237 games with the Mets.
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