Ji-Man Choi, signed to the New York Mets on a split contract, faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the major league roster. At 33 years old, he is likely to spend much of the year in the minors. Choi’s 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres was disappointing, marked by a .163/.239/.385 slash line, and he struggled to generate interest in the offseason.
To earn major league at-bats with the Mets, Choi must outperform DJ Stewart, the club’s primary left-handed bench bat with power. He is also a potential replacement for Pete Alonso in case of injury, as Choi has been a slightly below-average defender at first base. However, his lack of recent experience in the outfield and the presence of Luke Voit, who has had more notable offensive achievements, complicate his path to playing time.
Choi’s split contract makes him a potential candidate for a DFA (Designated for Assignment) if he underperforms, though there is a chance he could pass through waivers unclaimed. While Choi’s opportunities may be limited, a strong performance could see him gain more playing time, especially if Stewart struggles or the team needs a reliable option at first base.
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