Michael Cuddyer to Mets: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

In a free-agent market light on top-tier hitting, Michael Cuddyer was one of the few players available with a track record of success who was considered to be affordable.    

Cuddyer will be bringing those skills to New York next season after agreeing to a two-year deal with the Mets on Monday:

Cuddyer later spoke about his decision to come to New York and leaving the Colorado Rockies behind, via the Mets and Marc Carig of Newsday:

The outfielder also took to Twitter to talk to fans about the move:

Cuddyer also touched on playing with David Wright in New York, via the Mets:

Mike Puma of the New York Post shared what the Mets will give up in the transaction:

General manager Sandy Alderson spoke about the decision to forfeit the selection, via Adam Rubin of ESPN:

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman provided details on Cuddyer's contract with the Mets:

Carig weighed in on the Mets' move to secure Cuddyer:

During his three years in Colorado, Cuddyer hit a robust .307/.362/.525 with 76 doubles and 46 home runs. He has to prove that Coors Field wasn't the only reason behind that success and overcome the stigma often attached to a 35-year-old hitter. 

Cuddyer also has to prove he's able to stay healthy, which has been a problem dating back to his final season in Minnesota. He hasn't played in more than 130 games since 2011, including just 49 last year due to shoulder and hamstring injuries. 

The good news, per Mark Simon of ESPN, is that Cuddyer has been more than just a product of Colorado in the last two years:

There were reports in October that the Mets were interested in Cuddyer. According to Carig, the outfielder's friendship with David Wright might have played a role in this move. 

The Mets are in need of an offensive upgrade, especially in left field. As a group, that position hit a dreadful .219/.306/.309 with six home runs, per Baseball-Reference. Cuddyer had five home runs in 18 games after the All-Star break last year. 

The allure of a hitter who has hit over .300 and won a batting title in the last two years will make Cuddyer a valued acquisition for New York.