Adeiny Hechavarria has long been known for his reliable infield glove but an inconsistent bat. And he especially struggled at the plate to start the season with the New York Mets.
Well, it’s amazing what a change of scenery can do.
After batting just .204 in 60 games with the Mets, Hechavarria was designated for assignment back in August and placed on the release waivers. With Dansby Swanson suffering an injury, the Braves took a flier on Hechavarria. And so far, it’s paid off for everyone.
Hechavarria, especially, is thankful to be away from the Mets. Shortly after the Braves locked up their second straight NL East title this weekend, Hechavarria — through team translator Franco Garcia — thanked God for removing him from the Mets.
He said:
“Everything that’s happening. Obviously, I didn’t start off the season playing the way that I wanted or necessarily my style of baseball. But everything happens for a reason. God always has a plan. So, I just want to thank God for the opportunity of removing me from the Mets and putting me on this team. Because right now, it’s a perfect place for me. It’s a perfect fit, and God makes everything perfect. So, to me, that’s what I’m grateful for.”
Hechavarria clearly didn’t mean to dunk on the Mets with that answer, but it happened to work out that way.
Since joining the Braves, he’s batted .291 in 21 games and played excellent defense.
