Mets Add Grae Kessinger, Boosting Infield Depth Move

The New York Mets added to their infield depth chart by reaching a minor-league agreement with former Astros shortstop Grae Kessinger, according to multiple reports. The deal includes a non-roster invitation to spring training, giving the 28-year-old a chance to compete for a role without guaranteed placement on the Opening Day roster.

Kessinger’s Path and Profile

Kessinger entered pro ball as a second-round pick by Houston and made 49 major-league appearances from 2023 through 2024. His contact production lagged at the highest level, where he hit .131 across those stints, though his numbers stabilized in the upper minors—including an .826 OPS in a 2023 campaign split between Double-A and Triple-A. Houston ultimately designated him for assignment last offseason and traded him to Arizona, where injuries and roster crunches limited his playing time. He did not return to MLB action in 2024 but is believed to be healthy as camp approaches.

Kessinger fits the mold of a light-hitting, versatile defender capable of handling multiple infield spots, which is the exact profile president of baseball operations David Stearns has targeted this winter for organizational depth.

Bloodlines and Defensive Similarities

Beyond roster construction, Kessinger’s signing adds another chapter to one of baseball’s quieter family trees. His grandfather, Don Kessinger, played 16 MLB seasons, earned six All-Star selections, and won consecutive Gold Gloves at shortstop with the Chicago Cubs in 1969 and 1970. Don’s son, Keith, also played shortstop and reached the majors briefly with Cincinnati in 1993. Each generation profiled as defense-oriented infielders, and Grae continues the trend, bringing above-average glove skills despite modest offensive output.

What It Means for the Mets’ Roster Picture

The Mets already rebuilt their projected infield with Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Jorge Polanco slotted in as everyday starters, leaving spring battles to shape the remaining depth roles. Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, Mark Vientos, and Vidal Bruján will compete for major-league opportunities, while Kessinger enters a secondary tier of options alongside Christian Arroyo and Jackson Cluff. His most realistic path runs through Triple-A Syracuse, where he could serve as defensive insurance if injuries hit the big-league roster.

For New York, it’s a quiet move, but one that reflects a clear Stearns strategy: fortifying the floor of the roster with glove-first utility types who can stabilize the infield whenever needed—especially over a 162-game season where depth often proves as valuable as star power.

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