Luis Guillorme
Player Data: Age 26, B/T: L/R
Primary Stats: 29 G, 68 PA, .333/.426/.439, 9 RBIs, 2 SB, 6 R, 17K, 10 BB
Advanced Stats: .463 BABIP, .381 wOBA, 144 wRC+, 141 OPS+, 0.7 fWAR, 0.6 bWAR, 1 DRS, 2 OAA
Free Agent: 2026
Grade: A-
2020 Review
Coming into the 2020 season anyone who knows Mets baseball knew one thing for sure: Luis Guillorme could play some defense.
His highlight reel from the minors and of course the now infamous bat catch have given Guillorme the well-deserved reputation of a player you get excited about whenever he’s on the field. Yet there were doubts among fans and scouts alike if he would be able to hit enough to warrant a everyday spot in the lineup. Considering his sparse playing time and inconsistent at-bats given to him throughout his professional career so far, it is easy to see why some were lead in that direction.
While 2020 wasn’t without the same inconsistency in at-bats and starts (along with the questionable decision of the former front-office to trade for a player to take playing time away from him), Guillorme was able to put together an above-average season at the plate while still playing well-above average defense in the field.
While Guillorme is never going to be mistaken for a power hitter, he was able to hit six doubles as part of his 19 total hits in 57 at-bats. Showing an ability to make quality contact with the bat more than his previous seasons was evident in his hard hit rate jumping ten percent vs last season.
It was also nice to see him lower his launch angle this past season vs prior years. He became more comfortable at the plate and stayed more true to his abilities rather than try to manufacture power that will probably never come. Some players are just line drive hitters and his assumed acceptance of this lead to a somewhat breakthrough offensively.
Considering this Mets team has plenty of home run-or-bust type hitters, it is refreshing to see a player who knows that is not his game and instead masters the craft in his own right. Being able to get hits and not strikeout at a high clip when your name is called in a backup role is something that many players often struggle with. Guillorme’s plate discipline continues to improve, as he was frequently putting together strong at-bats.
While he did play some shortstop and a little third base, second base is where Guillorme spent the majority of the season. His defensive metrics still say shortstop is his best position, yet this year he made great strides in getting accustomed to playing what I believe is his best spot moving forward. His quick reaction, footwork and ability to make his glove look like an extension of his hand, blends well with his arm strength to form the makings of an elite defensive second baseman.
2021 Outlook
Now that Robinson Cano has been removed from the picture after being suspended, there is suddenly more playing time up for grabs in the Mets infield. While there is a chance that Jeff McNeil is returned to his natural position of second base, there is also an opportunity for Luis Guillorme to claim that role.
If you ask me, Guillorme should be penciled in as the starting second baseman for the 2021 season. Defense wins games and you couldn’t ask for a better defender at the position than Guillorme.
Playing McNeil at third base, Andres Gimenez at shortstop, and Dominic Smith at first base, paired with Guillorme at second, would put forth an infield capable of ranking among the best the Mets have ever had.
While some will say that 2020 was too small of a sample size, Guillorme’s offensive production was encouraging to say the least. Defense might not be the only thing that Luis is able to excel at and, at the very least, it was enough to grant him every opportunity to earn a spot in the starting lineup.
