PORT ST. LUCIE — Cristian Pache started in center field against the Nationals on Monday at Clover Park, but his future seems destined for Triple-A Syracuse, where the Mets hope to unlock some tools on offense, as Pache has already proven himself as a stellar defensive outfielder.
His prowess in center is no surprise, considering his history.
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Pache, 27, signed with the Braves out of the Dominican Republic in 2015 and went on to wear No. 25 in the majors with Atlanta in 2021.
The decision to wear that number was easy for Pache — who spent all of last season with Arizona’s Triple-A Reno affiliate.
“When I was young, my dad was a big fan of Atlanta and used to have me watch a lot of Andruw Jones videos,” Pache said recently through an interpreter. “From a defensive standpoint, I took after him.”
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As far as models go, that was a pretty good choice, as Jones is headed to Cooperstown largely because of how well he played center over a 17-year major league career spent mostly with the Braves.
After signing with the Braves and coming up through the minor league system, Pache got to work with Jones, who was an instructor with Atlanta following his playing career that ended with the Yankees in 2012.
Cristian Pache has already proven himself as a stellar defensive outfielder. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Jones will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer.
“After I met him, we had a good relationship, so I figured I’d wear his number,” Pache said.
“In my first spring with the Braves, he was there and gave me advice and told me how to work on skills and tricks to help improve my ability on defense.”
Andruw Jones is headed to Cooperstown largely because of how well he played center over a 17-year major league career spent mostly with the Braves. Getty Images
He signed a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp in December and has so far looked good with his new team.
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Pache entered Monday 11-for-25 with three extra-base hits in 11 Grapefruit League games, as the Mets remain hopeful he has the tools to become a player in the majors.
With Juan Soto in left field, Luis Robert Jr. in center and Carson Benge potentially the future in right, there might not be room for Pache in Queens.
But he’s still managed to impress.
“He’s an elite defender,” Carlos Mendoza said. “Offensively, we’ve seen him hit the ball hard up the middle and run the bases. There are a lot of tools there. It’s good to see him getting results.”
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