The New York Mets are once again fielding a team in the rookie Gulf Coast League, with the team playing out of the minor-league complex in Port St. Lucie.
The reason for the addition: the new CBA pushes up the signing deadline for players taken in the First-Year Player Draft.
“The new CBA has accelerated the signing of players from the draft. And with the continuation of two teams in the Dominican Summer League, we need more rookie level roster space for our young players,” said Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson. “We are happy to be back in the Gulf Coast League while retaining our affiliation in Kingsport of the Appalachian League.”
The Mets, along with Seattle Mariners and the Tampa Bay Rays, have nine minor-league affiliates.
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