Steve Pearce
Position: Utility
Bats: Right – Throws: Right
Born: April 13, 1983 (Age 33)
Last offseason the New York Mets failed to bring in a veteran that could play multiple spots off the bench and instead Eric Campbell was on the opening day roster. Pearce will be a free agent for the second straight offseason. He bats right-handed and can play multiple positions including first base, second base and both corner outfield spots. Does that sound like someone that could help the Mets in 2017?
The versatile Pearce is coming off a season combined with the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays in which he slashed .288/.374/.492 in 85 games. He hit 13 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, and knocked in 35 runs.
The Mets current corner outfield options are dominated by left-handed hitters with Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, Jay Bruce, and Curtis Granderson. Pearce hit .309/.411/.617 with seven of his 13 home runs coming off lefty pitching in 2016 and his career splits (.728 OPS vs RHP, .852 OPS vs LHP) shows he likes to face lefties. The Mets also have Lucas Duda currently penciled in at first base who has struggled against left-handed pitching during his career.
Pearce began his career in the minor leagues strictly playing first base but has played five different positions in the majors. In 2016, he played 40 games at first, 15 at second, seven in left field, six in right field and two at third base. His best defensive position remains first (2 DRS in 2016), however he has graded out positively in left (6 DRS) and right (3 DRS) for his career.
Contract:
Pearce signed a one-year, $4.750 million deal last offseason with the Rays and made $3.7 million in 2015 coming off a career year. Seems reasonable that he could get a deal for two years in the $5-6 million per range.
Recommendation:
Definitely think the Mets should show interest and even more so if they’re unable to re-sign Yoenis Cespedes. In that case, Pearce could play in a corner outfield spot against lefties. He would also be insurance for first base if something were to happen to Lucas Duda, which they didn’t really have in 2016. His versatility makes him a valuable commodity off the bench as well, which is a spot the Mets have had to trade to improve during the last two seasons.
