Jesse Winker DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker (calf) was forced to exit early during Monday's spring training contest. The left-handed slugger was pulled out of the contest due to a minor calf issue. Mets' manager Carlos Mendoza said that Winker was removed for precautionary reasons. Fantasy managers should consider Winker as day-to-day. The expectation is that Winker will be fine in a few days and this shouldn't impact his status for Opening Day.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker could see time at first base during the 2025 campaign. On a zoom conference, Winker expressed he is "capable" of playing first base when asked. He played first base during a rehab assignment in 2023 and even took ground balls at that position last season. While the Mets have remained in conversation with free agent Pete Alonso, several reports suggest that the Mets have begun to pivot to alternate options as he is unlikely to return to Queens. One of these alternatives was Winker, who the team signed to a one-year $7.5 million contract last week. Winker opened the 2024 campaign with the Nationals but was shipped to the Mets at the deadline. Across 145 contests, the 31-year-old posted a .253/.360/.405 line with 14 home runs and 14 stolen bases. Mark Vientos is another option to cover first base, which would open up the hot corner for Ronny Mauricio, Luisangel Acuna, or Brett Baty.

Free-agent outfielder Jesse Winker re-signed with the New York Mets on Thursday on a one-year deal worth $7.5 million. With bonuses, Winker has a chance to make a maximum of $9 million. The 31-year-old veteran left-handed hitter began last season with the Washington Nationals and was acquired by the Mets at the trade deadline. He had a solid year overall, slashing a combined .253/.360/.405 with 14 home runs, 58 RBI, a career-high 14 stolen bases and 63 runs scored in 145 games played. He hit .243/.318/.365 with a .683 OPS, three long balls, 13 RBI and 12 runs scored in 44 regular-season games after joining the Mets. Winker was better in 10 playoff games, sporting a 1.168 OPS and a home run. Winker should see consistent at-bats against right-handers in the outfield and at DH, but he's only hit 20 homers once in eight big-league seasons and probably won't steal double-digit bases in 2025.