Long Island Ducks Sign Former Mets Outfielder Matt Den Dekker

The Long Island Ducks announced they have signed former Mets outfield Matt Den Dekker.

Den Dekker, who spent six seasons in the Major Leagues from 2013-18 with the Mets, Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers, played in 166 games. He hit seven home runs, collected 30 RBIs, 46 runs, 82 hits, 19 doubles and 12 stolen bases.

Defensively, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native committed just two errors over 129 games played in the outfield, accruing a .990 fielding percentage. Den Dekker’s first MLB hit was an RBI single off Nationals pitcher Dan Haren on August 31, 2013. His first big league home run came one day later off Ross Ohlendorf.

“Matt runs the bases well, plays strong defensively and can swing the bat,” said Ducks Manager Wally Backman. “I am excited to work with him once again, and he will certainly help fortify our outfield.”

The 31-year-old played eight games with the Mets in 2018 but spent the majority of the season at Triple-A Las Vegas. In 87 games with the 51s, he compiled a .278 batting average with 14 homers, 44 RBIs, 52 runs, 19 doubles, five triples and eight stolen bases. The University of Florida alum has played in 881 minor league games during his pro career, hitting at a .271 clip with 86 homers, 401 RBIs, 487 runs, 806 hits, 181 doubles, 42 triples and 112 stolen bases. Den Dekker was originally selected by the Mets in the fifth round of the 2010 amateur draft.