Mets sign Matt Adams to minor-league deal

The New York Mets and first baseman Matt Adams agreed to a minor-league contract with a non-roster invite to spring training, the team announced Friday.

Adams, 31, is coming off a campaign in which he slashed .226/.276/.465 with 20 home runs and 56 RBIs in 111 games with the World Series-winning Washington Nationals. It was his third consecutive season with at least 20 homers.

Though he's played outfield in the past, Adams is primarily a first baseman. He's also carved out a role as a potent bench bat, as he's the active MLB leader with 11 pinch-hit home runs, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

With reigning National League Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso firmly entrenched as the Mets' starter at first, Adams will have competition for the backup job with Dominic Smith already on the roster.