Cristian Pache of the Mets honed his impressive fielding skills with the help of Andruw Jones.

Christian Pache’s Future with the Mets

PORT STREET CITY — Christian Pache played center field on Monday against the Nationals at Clover Park, yet it looks like he may be headed to Triple-A Syracuse. Pache has shown his skills as a top-notch defensive outfielder, which isn’t a shock given his background.

At 27, he made his way to the Braves from the Dominican Republic in 2015, wearing No. 25 when he joined the majors in Atlanta back in 2021. Choosing that number was straightforward for him, especially since he spent last season with Arizona State’s Triple-A Reno affiliate.

“Growing up, my dad was a huge fan of Atlanta, and I watched a lot of Andrew Jones highlights,” Pache mentioned through an interpreter recently. “I wanted to model my defense after him.” I mean, considering Jones’s impending induction into Cooperstown, it seems like a solid role model choice.

Pache had the chance to work closely with Jones after joining the Braves and progressing through their minor league system. Jones became an instructor in Atlanta following his retirement from the Yankees in 2012.

Jones’s Hall of Fame induction is set for this summer, and his impact hasn’t been lost on Pache. “Once we met, I felt a strong connection, so I decided to wear his number,” he shared.

He recalled how during his first spring training with the Braves, Jones offered valuable advice on honing his skills and defensive tricks. There’s something quite touching about that mentorship.

Pache signed a minor league contract in December that included an invitation to major league camp, and so far, he’s displaying strong performance with his current team.

This spring, he’s gone 11-for-25 with three extra-base hits across 11 Grapefruit League games. The Mets surely hope he possesses the characteristics of a successful major-league player.

However, with Juan Soto in left, Luis Robert Jr. playing center, and promising prospect Carson Benge in right, Pache might find it hard to secure a spot in Queens. Still, he leaves a favorable impression.

“He’s an elite defender,” said Carlos Mendoza. “We’ve noticed he can hit the ball well and run the bases effectively. There’s a lot of potential there. It’s encouraging to see him achieve results.”