MLB rumors: Ex-Giant Joe Panik, Mets have ‘mutual interest' in signing

Share

Joe Panik's heart always will be in San Francisco, but his home is New York. And the former Giants second baseman could be headed home. 

MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reported Thursday that Panik and the New York Mets have mutual interest in each other. The Mets could sign Panik now, but DiComo reports they're likely waiting until he clears waivers on Friday.

Panik and the Mets might be a perfect match, too.

The former Giant is a New York native who played collegiately at St. John's University in Queens. He also fills a hole for the Mets at second base as Robinson Cano is expected to miss most -- if not all -- of the rest of the season with a torn left hamstring. 

Panik, an All-Star in 2015, has struggled at the plate this season. Before the Giants designated him for assignment on Tuesday, Panik was batting just .235 with a lowly .627 OPS. But he is a .271 career hitter and coming home could revitalize his career. 

Over his six-year career, Panik has played 15 games at the Mets' home ballpark and is batting .269 with two homers at Citi Field. 

[RELATED: Why cutting Panik was different than previous Giants moves]

Panik made many memorable moments with the Giants, including one of the greatest double plays in World Series history. The Mets entered Thursday a half-game out of the second NL wild-card spot -- three games ahead of San Francisco -- and Panik could bring a boost to the Big Apple with his postseason pedigree.

Contact Us