Former New York Mets outfielder Endy Chavez claims he was duped into shelling out $1.2 million to a fellow Major Leaguer — and has struck out trying to get his money back.
Infielder and fellow Venezuelan Melvin Mora borrowed the dough in installments from Chavez beginning in 2019, according to legal papers filed Friday in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Chavez, 46, who played for the Amazins’ from 2006 to 2008, is suing Mora for fraud and breach of contract, alleging he “has failed and continues to fail to pay” back the debt.
Mora, 52, allegedly promised a six-fold return on an investment, said Chavez’s attorney, Matthew Blit.
He now believes there was no investment opportunity, Blit told The Post.
Chavez hit the former professional infielder where it hurts, serving him a summons with notice — the legal precursor to a lawsuit — at a Hall of Fame baseball game in Cooperstown, Blit said.
Mora has repaid just $50,000, Blit contends.
“He betrayed Endy’s trust,” Blit said. “We don’t think it was a legit company. We just think he stole his money.”
Chavez is seeking $5 million in damages.
“Melvin was my friend, we are from the same country. I looked up to him and I trusted him,” he told The Post via Bilt.
“He promised me over and over that this is a secure and safe loan and investment, and when I finally agreed, he disappeared with my money. I was devastated financially, I was embarrassed and hurt. I didn’t want to sue him like this, but he just stopped returning my calls and never returned the rest of my money.”
Mora, who was on the Metropolitans from 1999 to 2000, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.