LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — In case there is any doubt which New York team now employs Curtis Granderson, the veteran outfielder clarified matters Tuesday.
“A lot of the people that I have met in New York have always said that true New Yorkers are Mets fans, so I’m excited to get a chance to see them all,” Granderson said.
The Mets introduced Granderson at the Winter Meetings as their newest outfield addition, four days after he agreed to a four-year contract worth $60 million. The 32-year-old Granderson spent the previous four seasons playing for the Yankees.
Granderson’s contract structure calls for him to make $13 million in 2014. He will make $16 million the following two seasons before earning $15 million in 2017.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman didn’t seem offended by Granderson’s barb.
“I understand why he would say that,” Cashman said. “The great thing about our city is there is room for both. The Mets got a good player, they really did. We appreciate the time we had with him and he will help the Mets. Good man, too. Real good man.”
Mets GM Sandy Alderson cited Granderson’s professionalism, credibility, experience and talent as reasons he will be a perfect fit.
“And I think all of those things will be important,” Alderson said. “I really like the mix of players we have character-wise, personality-wise and I think he will enhance that mix. He’s a gregarious, infectious personality. It will be a nice blend and matchup with David [Wright], so I think he brings a lot of things to the table.”
Last month, the Mets signed veteran outfielder Chris Young to a one-year deal worth $7.25 million. Young and Granderson are expected to play corner-outfield positions with Juan Lagares in center, but that dynamic could change if the Mets don’t acquire a leadoff hitter or make a trade involving Daniel Murphy that would allow Eric Young Jr. to play second base and bat first.
Alderson acknowledged that as the roster is presently constructed, Lagares could be squeezed out of the lineup to make room for Young, who would bat leadoff.
Granderson played only 61 games in 2013 because of broken bones after hitting hit by pitches on two separate occasions, but hit 84 homers in the previous two seasons combined.
“It turns around what Sandy said last year, with ‘What outfield?’ ” Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said. “I think now we have a pretty substantial outfield that we’re hoping will produce.
“Curtis is not scared of New York. Curtis is not scared of the dimensions of Citi Field. In fact he’s looking forward to running a little bit more, having the ball find the crevices. He likes hitting triples. We would like it to go over the fence, but if a triple is the next best thing we’ll take it.”
Alderson offered a similar sentiment.
“We understand that Citi Field is not Yankee Stadium, that it will have some impact on his statistical record,” Alderson said. “But everything is relative and we’re looking for excellence, we’re not looking for particular numbers.”
The Mets originally hoped to land Granderson on a three-year contract, but went to a fourth when it became evident that would be necessary to close the deal.
Granderson indicated the Mets were the only team to make him a four-year offer.
“You want to go where you are needed and wanted,” Granderson said. “And the Mets definitely wanted me.”