Mets hold introductory press conference for Jed Lowrie

The Mets introduced their latest free agent signing, Jed Lowrie, today at a press conference at Citi Field. Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen opened up the proceedings by saying that he had some “very specific agenda items” in mind for this offseason, which included increasing run production, adding depth and versatility, and creating balance on both sides of the plate. Lowrie “checks all the boxes,” said Van Wagenen.

Van Wagenen also noted that the entire front office was on the same page regarding wanting to bring Lowrie to Queens, even mentioning David Wright by name. The Mets were in on Lowrie early, reaching out to his agent Casey Close back in November, knowing that “All-Star players get a lot of suitors” early in the offseason. Talks “rekindled” in the New Year, culminating with the two-year, $20 million contract Lowrie signed with the Mets.

Van Wagenen praised Lowrie’s work ethic, preparation, discipline, and professionalism, making note of what an excellent presence he will bring to the Mets clubhouse. He also pointed out several relationships Lowrie has with people in the Mets organization, including Yoenis Cespedes and Mets’ new hitting coach Chili Davis from his time in Oakland. When asked by MLB.com what he learned from Davis, Lowrie said he appreciated his overall approach and knowledge of what it’s like to be ready every single day over a long season.

Lowrie also trained with Todd Frazier in the offseason in their younger days and Mets’ third base coach Gary DiSarcina was with the Red Sox organization as the infield coordinator when he was coming up through the minor leagues. Of course, as a CAA client, Jed has also known Brodie Van Wagenen for many years, since he was 20 years old.

Van Wagenen closed his portion of the press conference with a Star Wars joke: “Jedi, welcome to the Mets, may the force be with us all.”

Jed Lowrie spoke briefly, thanking the Wilpons for the opportunity to play for the Mets and thanking Brodie as well as his family members before the floor was opened to questions.

When asked by Andy Martino about what’s left for the offseason, Van Wagenen said he felt “really, really good” about the players they’ve added and the current state of the roster, but also emphasized that “if other opportunities present themselves” he would be on top of them.

Lowrie also seemed to feel good about what the Mets have done, citing the moves the organization has already made as part of the reason he signed with the Mets. “It’s been an aggressive offseason here,” Lowrie said.

When asked about how Lowrie fits in on the infield, Van Wagenen said that Lowrie would be playing second base, third base, and shortstop—all on a “semi-regular basis”—and that he would be in the lineup nearly every day. Brodie envisioned Lowrie hitting in front of Cano and behind Nimmo in the lineup. “He gets better with age, like many of the wines he collects,” Brodie said of Lowrie.

Depth has been a big theme of Van Wagenen’s first offseason as general manager and this signing has been no exception.

“When adversity comes to our club,” Van Wagenen said, “we have All-Stars that can play all around the diamond.” Lowrie also noted that having a deep roster is “what it takes to win at the big-league level.”