The Mets added organizational depth on April 2, bringing in veterans infielders Niko Goodrum and Jon Singleton on Minor League deals. Both were regulars at one point in their respective MLB careers. However, the two have dealt with swing-and-miss troubles throughout their careers.
A Look at Goodrum
It’s been a bit since Niko Goodrum was an impact player. Back in 2018, Goodrum hit .245/.315/.432 (.747 OPS) with 16 home runs for the Tigers. A year later, Goodrum hit 12 home runs and 44 extra-base hits, both solid figures considered he played 19 fewer games compared to 2018.
Since, Goodrum’s failed to click as a regular with several teams, including the aforementioend Tigers, Astros, Rays, and Padres. Goodrum posted 30+% K% rates in 2020-21.
The 33-year-old posted good bat speed (72.6 MPH) numbers per Statcast in 2024, not surprising given he’s been able to hit for power in the past. However, Goodrum — a decent fastball hitter — struggles badly with breaking balls and offspeed stuff.
Goodrum posted 40+% Whiff% rates in 2020-21 off non-fastballs.
Nike Goodrum signed a Minor League deal with the Mets. He was a non-roster invite this spring for the Padres.
A Look at Singleton
Former Astros first baseman Jon Singleton spent almost eight full years (2015-23) away from the Majors. The 33-year-old suited up for the Brewers on June 3, 2023, his first regular-season game since Octobet 2, 2015.
Singleton was at one point a high-end hitting prospect lauded for his power while a Minor League in the Phillies & Astros farm systems. The Astros valued him so highly that Houston signed him to a five-year, $10MM pre-arbitration extension in 2015 — back when that kind of move was rare.
However, Singleton’s career was derailed by a marijuana addiction and strikeout problems. He rose back as a name to watch in 2021 with the Diablos Rojos del Mexico and was eventually signed by the Brewers.
Houston gave him a long look in 2024, necessitated by the Astros needing help at first thanks to a bottoming-out by Jose Abreu. Singleton has a very good eye and didn’t chase much in Houston, with a 22.6% Chase% that ranked in the top 12% of the league.
But, Singleton had trouble hitting non-fastballs as well, particularly sliders and changeups. He batted sub-.200 off both types of pitches.
The Astros released Singleton in March 2025.
Like Goodrum, Jon Singleton signed a Minor League deal with the Mets.
Analysis
Both could be considered depth moves.
The Mets could use Singleton, if need be, as a DH option against right-handed hitters. Singleton hit right-handers well enough in 2024, as he slashed .258/.350/.423 (.773 OPS), demonstrating he can get on base and hit for pop.
However, because the Mets have Jesse Winker, an injury would likely need to arise for that to happen.
Goodrum is more of a likelier option for the Mets, even though the two were assigned to Syracuse (AAA).
The 33-year-old Goodrum has experience at every position aside from catcher, although the bulk of his time has been spent at second, short, and first base. The Mets are down infielders Jeff McNeil and Nick Madrigal, the latter of whom is done for the 2025 season.
If another injury pops up to one of their infielders, Goodrum would be an option.
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