Juan Lagares, Mets Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The New York Mets and outfielder Juan Lagares reportedly reached an agreement Wednesday on a four-year contract extension that also includes a team option.  The deal was completed Thursday, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN.com. 

Jim Bowden of ESPN first passed along word of the new deal:

He also provided further details about the contract:

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports passed along the full details of the deal:

Lagares is still a work in progress at the plate with a .302 on-base percentage through two seasons. The Mets still felt comfortable giving him an extension because he's one of the best defenders in baseball.

The 26-year-old center fielder tied for second in baseball with Andrelton Simmons of the Atlanta Braves with 28 defensive runs saved (DRS), per FanGraphs, last season. Only Jason Heyward ranked higher. It reduces the potential downside of the extension.

These type of deals are becoming more common. Teams are willing to pay up-front to avoid the yearly arbitration cases and buy out some free-agent time.

If Lagares is able to make steady progress as a hitter, the deal should represent tremendous value for the Mets at the back end of the contract. Even if he remains merely average with the bat, his glove makes it a solid investment anyway.