Free agent right fielder Melky Cabrera signed with the New York Mets, bringing the veteran talents that come with being a former All-Star Game MVP. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets sign OF Melky Cabrera

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/29/20

The New York Mets added a well-known veteran to its squad ahead of spring training 2.0 sessions scheduled to begin this week.

New York announced via Twitter that the club agreed to a deal with 35-year-old outfielder Melky Cabrera:

We’ve signed OF Melky Cabrera and he is expected to be added to our player pool. pic.twitter.com/ZVqkBNQtrr
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 29, 2020

The one-time All-Star who won MVP honors for the 2012 edition of the Midsummer Classic featured for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, where he hit .280 with seven home runs and 47 RBI in 133 appearances.

A proven commodity, Cabrera will supply cover for the Amazins for a season unlike any other where players are likely to miss time either because of injuries that occur due to fitness issues or because they inevitably test positive for the coronavirus.

It's also worth noting MLB is adopting a universal designated hitter rule for at least the 60-game 2020 campaign.

Cabrera won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 2009.

The Mets also acquired reliever Hunter Strickland, among others added to the roster:

In the last hour the Mets have signed Hunter Strickland, Erasmo Ramírez, Gordon Beckham and Melky Cabrera.

Congrats to new puppet GM @david_j_roth
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) June 29, 2020