Joey Wendle DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Atlanta Braves signed free-agent infielder Joey Wendle to a major-league contract on Friday and optioned infielder Luke Williams to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. Wendle has landed with another team quickly after he was released by the Mets earlier this week after going 8-for-36 (.222) with no home runs, one RBI and three runs scored in limited playing time as a utility infielder. The former sixth-round pick in 2012 out of West Chester by the Cleveland Guardians has not been able to replicate his All-Star campaign in 2021 with the Tampa Bay Rays, when he hit .265/.319/.422 with 11 home runs, 54 RBI and eight stolen bases in 136 games played. Since then, he's hit .237/.273/.331 with five homers, 53 RBI and 20 steals in 231 games and will find playing time even more difficult to come by, although he could immediately see action at third base if Austin Riley (intercostal) lands on the injured list.

The New York Mets released infielder Joey Wendle on Monday after he was designated for assignment last week. Wendle is now free to sign with any team in baseball to provide some veteran infield depth. The 34-year-old was cut by the Mets after going 8-for-36 (.222) with no home runs and just one RBI in 37 plate appearances over 18 games this year. Wendle was a first-time All-Star in 2021 in his final season with the Tampa Bay Rays, when he hit .265 (122-for-460) with a career-high 11 home runs, 54 RBI and eight stolen bases in 136 games played. Since then, he's hit .237 with five home runs, 53 RBI and 20 teals in 231 games with the Miami Marlins and Mets. Wendle will likely be signed to a minor-league pact if he latches on with another team. Avoid him in all fantasy leagues for now.

New York Mets infielder Joey Wendle (shoulder) is dealing with some right-shoulder soreness in camp, but he's been building back up and should make his spring training debut toward the end of next week. He's in his first year in New York in 2024 after hitting a weak .212/.248/.306 with two homers, 20 RBI, seven stolen bases and 33 runs scored in 318 plate appearances and 112 games for the Miami Marlins in 2023. The 33-year-old's greatest asset is his glove and his ability to play multiple infield positions, but he's not much to look at in fantasy with his bat. Even with Ronny Mauricio (knee) slated to miss the entire season, Wendle will most likely serve as a utility infielder for the Mets. Most of his playing time will likely come at third base to spell youngster Brett Baty.