Jan. 5, 2010
FLUSHING, N.Y. - The New York Mets and former Gonzaga University outfielder Jason Bay made it official Tuesday, as the team inked the three-time All-Star to a four-year deal. Bay, a native of Trail, British Columbia played for the Zags from 1999-2000 and was a 22nd round draft pick by the Montreal Expos.
"It's exciting for me to come to New York to join Carlos Beltran, David Wright, and Jose Reyes in the lineup to help the Mets get back to the postseason," said Bay. "I'm looking forward to returning to the National League and playing at Citi Field in front of passionate fans who care about winning."
The 2004 National League Rookie of the Year with the Pittsburgh Pirates also won his first Silver Slugger Award and was voted to start the All-Star game with the Boston Red Sox this past season. Bay hit .293 in the last 49 games of the '08 campaign, then broke out in his first full season in Boston, hitting .267 with career-highs of 36 homers and 119 RBIs. He also stole 13 bases, the most he has had in a season since swiping 21 in 2005 with the Pirates. In the playoffs, he's a .306 hitter (15-for-49) with three home runs in 14 games.
"What Jason and Kristen (Bay's wife) have accomplished is amazing," commented former Gonzaga head coach Steve Hertz. "They have reached the highest level of achievement in baseball and are tremendous people, parents and incredibly supportive alums of Gonzaga. I'm not sure if I've experience the kind of pride I felt watching his press conference. They both handle everything with extreme class and grace, and Jason will continue to be successful in whatever he undertakes. Wow, what a day!"
"We are very proud of Jason and happy for him and his family," added current Gonzaga head coach Mark Machtolf who was an assistant coach and hitting instructor for the Zags during Bay's two seasons at GU. "He is a great ambassador for Gonzaga Baseball and we wish him well as he starts his career in New York."
Last season the Mets hit a major league-low 95 home runs with just 46 of them coming in spacious Citi Field. Bay, though, has averaged 30 homers and 99 RBI through his first six full seasons in the majors.
"Jason provides us with a big bat in the middle of our lineup, which will help us score more runs," said Mets general manager Omar Minaya. "He has pull power and that will play well at Citi Field. Jason has excelled in a big-city environment, and we look forward to adding his winning attitude and grit to our clubhouse."
Wearing a Mets uniform for the first time, Bay said during his introductory news conference at Citi Field that the Mets were always on his short list and shot down speculation that he was reluctant to sign with them.
"I wouldn't have signed the contract if I didn't want to be here and wasn't happy," Bay said. "That couldn't be further from the truth. That's why I did it. This is one of the biggest days of my life, and I'm excited."
Bay is expected to make $66 million over the course of the contract that also contains a vesting fifth year option. The backloaded deal, which includes an $8.5 million signing bonus and a full no trade clause, will pay him $6.5 million this coming season and $16 million for each of the following three seasons. The contract also includes an option that would become guaranteed if Bay reaches 600 plate appearances in 2013 or 500 plate appearances in both the 2012 and '13 seasons, which could possibly push the total of the deal to $80 million.
