The New York Mets signed shortstop Jiovanni Mier to a minor league deal on Thursday, according to Baseball America. He has reported to minor league camp in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Mier, who also goes by Jio, was originally a first-round draft selection of the Houston Astros in 2009, and he remained with the organization through the 2015 season. Mier inked a minors deal with Toronto Blue Jays in November of 2015, and spent the ensuing season with Triple-A Buffalo.

In 786 career minor league games, the 26-year-old has hit .238/.329/.338 with 38 home runs and 69 stolen bases.

Mier had joined the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League in late February before signing on with the Mets. With a glut of infielders expected to battle for playing time with Triple-A Las Vegas, it appears his likely destination to begin 2017 is Double-A Binghamton.

In related news, two former Mets farmhands have agreed to play for independent league teams in 2017.

The Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association announced that they have signed RHP Nicco Blank to a contract. Blank, who became notable for his unsuccessful attempt at inviting pop star Taylor Swift to a 2016 game, spent last season with the Brooklyn Cyclones and Columbia Fireflies.

RHP Tyler Badamo has signed with the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League for the 2017 season. Badamo was a member of Columbia’s rotation in 2016, and he will join former Mets Endy Chavez, Luis Hernandez, and Mike Antonini on Bridgeport.