Despite focus centered on whether or not the league will even have a 2020 season, it doesn’t hurt to look ahead to what might be in 2021.

In 2019, the Mets’ center field job was held down for the most part by Brandon Nimmo (when not injured) and the combination of Michael Conforto and Juan Lagares when Nimmo was down for the count.

Nimmo has proven solid at the position, as his natural speed allows him to cover ground and make plays, but his arm leaves a bit to be desired. Conforto, though a nice surprise out there defensively, seems to be most comfortable in the corner outfield positions.

Nimmo aside – along with the Mets’ recent addition of Jake Marisnick, a good option particularly when it comes to defense – it would certainly not hurt for the Mets to dip into the 2021 free agent pool when it comes to center field.

Also doesn’t hurt for us to dream of what could be, despite the odds (i.e., the cost). Below are some of their best options.

4) Jackie Bradley Jr.

Although maybe not the most ideal option – particularly on the offensive end – Bradley Jr. would provide the Mets with a solid defender out in center.

During the 2019 season, Bradley Jr. made just four errors in 144 games and finished with a .987 fielding percentage. Again, offensively, Bradley Jr. was certainly not at the top of the heap, but the center fielder did finish ’19 with 62 RBI despite a .225/.317/.421 clip.

Bradley Jr.’s 2018 was not much different at the plate, as he batted .234/.314/.403 with an OPS of .717. However, his defensive efforts proved more successful, as he was awarded his very first Gold Glove – thanks in part to committing just five errors in 135 games while boasting a .984 fielding percentage.

Although the Mets would certainly benefit from another bat, having a proven glove out in center field and solidifying up-the-middle defense is perhaps more important in the long run – especially if the Amazin’s starting pitching situation remains shaky come 2021.

3) Starling Marte

Perhaps one of those players that remain slightly underappreciated for their efforts, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ center fielder had a stellar 2019 both offensively and defensively.

As for the latter, Marte played a total of 130 games in center in ’19, committing just five errors and finishing with a .984 fielding percentage. The current Pirate fared even better the previous year, making only three errors in 139 games out in center field, ending ’18 with a .991 fielding percentage. Also to be noted is Marte’s two Gold Gloves, which were earned in 2015 and 2016 (an All-Star year), respectively.

As for the former, Marte’s 586 PA in ’19 resulted in 31 2B, 6 3B, 23 HR, 82 RBI, and 25 BB – along with a line of .295/.342/.503 and a .845 OPS. His previous campaign in 2018, although not as noteworthy, was respectable. Marte closed out ’18 at .277/.327/.460 with a .787 OPS.

During that aforementioned All-Star season in 2016, Marte shined at the plate (despite a low RBI count). In 529 PA, the center fielder batted .311/.362/.456 with an .818 OPS.

Marte’s reliability on both the offensive and defensive ends sures up his spot on this list, but if you’re wondering why he’s only sitting at No. 3, scroll on.

2) Mookie Betts

I can hear it now: “But he’s not a center fielder!” True, but past seasons have shown he can play center field if he really had to (or wanted to). Honestly, if center field was Betts’ primary position, I would have listed him in the No. 1 spot on this list.

Throughout both the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Betts played a total of 31 games in center, committing just one error in those games and finishing with a 1.000 fielding percentage in ’18 and at .980 in ’19. A small sample size for sure, but indicative of his ability to man the position efficiently if necessary.

If you go back even further to 2014 and 2015, Betts played a combined 161 games in center field, with just four errors to his name during that time – ending ’14 with a 1.000 fielding percentage and ’15 at .989.

Offensively, we all know what Mookie can do, but a reminder doesn’t hurt. In 2019 alone – a year in which he became an All-Star for the fourth time, won his fourth-consecutive Gold Glove (primarily as a right fielder), and was rewarded with a third Silver Slugger – Betts’ 706 PA resulted in 40 2B, 5 3B, 29 HR, 80 RBI, and 97 BB. He eventually finished with a line of .295/.391/.524 and a .915 OPS.

If the Mets are willing to open up their pockets, it goes without saying that Betts would be one of those game-changing pickups (remember, we’re dreaming here).

1) George Springer

Now in addition to this likely appearing as a pipe dream to many, it also might not be the most enticing option for most – thanks in large part to the notoriety Springer and his Astros teammates have obtained within the last few months.

Nevertheless, it is undeniable that Springer would be a valuable asset to any team. His 2019 included 556 total PA, 140 hits, 20 2B, 3 3B, 39 HR, 96 RBI, and 67 BB – resulting in a final line of .292/.383/.591 and a .974 OPS, putting him up there with the league’s best. That same year, unsurprisingly, Springer made his third All-Star appearance and was awarded his second Silver Slugger.

2018, although not nearly as notable, saw Springer bat .265/.346/.434 with a .780 OPS – in addition to making another All-Star appearance. And 2017 (despite its well-known blemishes) did see Springer hit 29 2B, 34 HR, and knock in 85 RBI, finishing at .283/.367/.522 with a .889 OPS – while making his first All-Star Game and winning his first Silver Slugger.

Defensively, Springer played 75 games in center field during the 2019 campaign and did not make a single error in that time, ending with a 1.000 fielding percentage. The 2018 season saw much of the same, with just one error in 80 games and a .993 fielding percentage – while 2017 also boasted a single error in 84 games and a .994 fielding percentage.

Once again, everything hinges upon the Mets’ desire to be aggressive – along with, perhaps more importantly, their desire to take on a player who comes attached to a polarizing story.