Mets Re-Sign Gilkey to Four-Year Contract

[Reuters]

NEW YORK (Reuter) -- The New York Mets Thursday re-signed
outfielder Bernard Gilkey to a four-year guaranteed contract
plus an option year.
Terms were not disclosed, but the deal is believed to be
worth more than $18 million in guaranteed money.
Gilkey enjoyed a career year in his first season with the
Mets, batting .317 with 30 home runs and 117 RBI in 1996. He set
career-highs in home runs, RBI, hits (181) and doubles (44).
Gilkey tied Howard Johnson's club record for RBI in a season.
Gilkey could have been declared a free agent if players are
granted lost service time as part of a collective bargaining
agreement. Gilkey, Montreal Expos outfielder Moises Alou and
Chicago White Sox pitcher Alex Fernandez headlined the list of
players who would become free agents at the end of this season
with the restored service time.
``We're delighted to have reached an agreement with
Bernard,'' said Mets general manager Joe McIlvaine, in making
the announcement from Atlanta. ``In 1996, Bernard established
himself as one of the premier outfielders in the National
League. At the age of 30, we are sure he has many productive
seasons ahead of him.''
Gilkey led the National League with 18 outfield assists and
was second in the major leagues, behind Colorado's Dante
Bichette, with 34 go-ahead RBI. Gilkey was also third in the
majors with a .406 batting average with runners in scoring
position.
``I couldn't be happier,'' said Gilkey from his home in St.
Louis. ``We have a very exciting young team. The nucleus is here
to turn things around in a hurry. I'm just glad I'll be a part
of it.''
Gilkey was acquired by the Mets from the St. Louis Cardinals
last January for three minor league pitchers. He spent the first
five years of his major league career with the Cardinals and
never had more than 17 home runs or 70 RBI in a single season.