The New York Mets are making a surprising move, signing Grae Kessinger, grandson of baseball icon Don Kessinger, to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. This signing, although minor in the grand scheme of things, carries significant historical weight and a touch of family legacy that excites fans.
Don Kessinger, a rock for the Chicago Cubs, played 12 seasons on the diamond and has six All-Star selections and two Gold Glove Awards. Now his grandson Grae is entering the stage, albeit with a somewhat rocky start in the major leagues. In his short career, Kessinger appeared in just 48 MLB games for the Houston Astros and struggled to find his rhythm, posting a disappointing .131 batting average – just eight hits in 61 at-bats.
Kessinger’s journey began when he was selected in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Astros after coming from Ole Miss and the charming town of Oxford, Mississippi. After a brief stint in Houston, he took a detour and signed with the Diamondbacks for the 2025 season. However, his time there was cut short as he was limited to just 11 games in Triple-A Reno, where he posted a poor .235 batting average.
Now joining his third organization, Kessinger is determined to use his family heritage and baseball ancestry to carve out a more prominent role in the majors. Since the Mets have two unconventional infielders – Bo Bichette at third base and Jorge Polanco at first – Kessinger’s addition provides important depth, especially as the team prepares for the upcoming season. These unorthodox placements could raise eyebrows, making Kessinger’s ability to hold his own more important than ever.
As the Mets prepare for a potentially turbulent season, signing Kessinger could be just the strategic move they need to bolster their infield options. As the baseball world watches, Grae Kessinger is on a mission to prove that he isn’t just living in the shadow of his grandfather’s legacy, but is ready to create his own. The pressure is on, and Kessinger is ready to show he has the talent and determination to reclaim his place among Major League Baseball’s greats.
