The 10-year veteran had been playing with the San Diego Padres’ triple-A affiliate in early 2016 with the ability to sign with whomever would want his services when the Mets came calling. Loney was picked up by Sandy Alderson and co. after Lucas Duda went down with a back injury, and he would eventually turn into one of the most polarizing Mets players I’ve ever seen.
When the Mets signed the 32-year-old first baseman, many were hopeful he could provide a bit of offense and a good enough glove at the corner that we wouldn’t miss Duda as much.