As a sophomore in 2011, Plawecki batted .341 with a .436 SLG, 2 home runs, and 39 RBIs. He was named first team All-Big Ten.[8] That summer, Plawecki played for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star.[9]
The Mets invited Plawecki to spring training in 2015, and reassigned him to minor league camp so that he could start the 2015 season with Las Vegas.[23] After Travis d'Arnaud went on the disabled list with a broken hand on April 19, 2015, the Mets announced they would promote Plawecki to the major leagues.[24]
Plawecki made his Major League debut on April 21, 2015, against the Atlanta Braves. He got his first career hit off Trevor Cahill and finished the game 2-for-4, with two runs scored.[25] During a game against the New York Yankees on April 25, 2015, Plawecki hit his first career home run off CC Sabathia en route to an 8–2 victory.[26] Plawecki became the first player to hit his first career home run in a Mets-Yankees Subway Series game.[27]
Plawecki began experiencing dizziness in June, which sidelined him from playing for several games.[28] He was demoted to the Las Vegas 51s on August 11,[29] and recalled on September 1 due to expanded rosters in September.[30] Plawecki finished the season with a .219 batting average with three home runs and 21 RBIs in 73 games played.[31]
Plawecki had surgery on his paranasal sinuses during the 2015–16 offseason to address his dizziness.[31] He batted .197 in 48 games for the Mets in 2016, spending the rest of the season with Las Vegas.[32]
In an April 30, 2017, game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Plawecki was brought in to pitch for the first time since he was 14 years old. He threw only fastballs, giving up four runs over two innings. One of those was Anthony Rendon's third home run of the game. The Mets lost 23-5.[33]
Plawecki suffered a broken hand on April 11, 2018.[34]
Cleveland Indians
On January 6, 2019, the Mets traded Plawecki to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Walker Lockett and Sam Haggerty.[35] With the 2019 Indians, Plawecki appeared in 59 games, batting .222 with three home runs and 17 RBIs. He also made two pitching appearances, pitching a total of two innings without allowing a hit, walk, or run. On December 2, 2019, Plawecki was non-tendered and became a free agent.[36]
Boston Red Sox
On January 3, 2020, the Red Sox signed Plawecki to a one-year, $900,000 contract.[37] Overall with the 2020 Red Sox, Plawecki batted .342 with one home run and 17 RBIs in 23 games.[38] In early December 2020, Plawecki and the Red Sox reached a one-year deal for the 2021 season.[39] On February 17, 2021, he was placed on the COVID-19 injured list.[40] He made the team's 2021 Opening Day roster to backup Christian Vázquez.[41] Plawecki was placed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain on June 22,[42] and returned to the team on July 9.[43] Plawecki made 64 regular-season appearances for Boston, batting .287 with three home runs and 15 RBIs.[38] He also played in five postseason games, batting 1-for-7, as the Red Sox advanced to the American League Championship Series.[38]
On December 1, 2021, Plawecki and the Red Sox agreed to terms on a one-year contract for 2022, reportedly worth $2.25 million.[44] He began the season again serving as backup to Vázquez. Plawecki missed a week of action in late April, spending time on the COVID-related list.[45] He was again on the COVID-related list for two days during the first-half of July.[46][47] On September 17, Plawecki was designated for assignment, as the team added pitcher Frank German to the roster, and was released two days later.[48] Plawecki appeared in 73 games while batting .217 with one home run and 12 RBIs for the 2022 Red Sox.[38]
Texas Rangers
On September 21, 2022, Plawecki signed a major-league contract with the Texas Rangers.[49] In three games with Texas late in the 2022 season, he batted .273 (3-for-11) with one RBI.[38]
Pittsburgh Pirates
On February 12, 2023, Plawecki signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.[50] He failed to make the Pirates’ Opening Day roster in spring training and was released by the team on March 27.[51][52]
Washington Nationals
On April 1, 2023, Plawecki signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals organization.[53] Playing in 24 games for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, he hit .256/.351/.342 with 1 home run and 6 RBI. On May 16, Plawecki exercised the opt-out clause in his contract and became a free agent.[54]
San Diego Padres
On May 20, 2023, Plawecki signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres organization.[55] In 33 games for the Triple–A El Paso Chihuahuas, he hit .276/.333/.439 with 3 home runs and 21 RBI.[56]
Texas Rangers (second stint)
On July 28, 2023, Plawecki was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations.[57] In 10 games for the Triple–A Round Rock Express, he hit .294/.400/.324 with 2 RBI. On August 15, Plawecki was released by the Rangers organization.[58]
San Diego Padres (second stint)
On December 30, 2023, Plawecki signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.[citation needed] On November 6, he elected free agency.[59]
Personal life
Plawecki grew up in Westfield, Indiana, with his parents and younger brother. His father coached his youth baseball teams.[60]
Plawecki and his wife, Tayler, were married in November 2015.[31] They have two sons.[61] Plawecki is a Christian.[62]
^Ambrogi, Mark (November 15, 2008). "Plawecki will head to Purdue". Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2013.(subscription required)
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