New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson has indicated that any outfielder that they acquire this offseason will also play first base.
However, he also noted that the Mets will consider adding a player that plays only first base. The Mets have already shown interest in free agent Carlos Santana, who has played mostly first base over the past three seasons with seven games in right field last year.
Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that the Mets would look to trade young first baseman Dominic Smith if the Mets were able to land someone the ilk of Santana.
The Mets are also reportedly considering free agents Adam Lind, Logan Morrison and Jay Bruce in the first base/corner outfield mold.
With the good news that Conforto is progressing well in his rehab and expected to be a full go to start spring it makes sense that the Mets would focus more on a first type.
Dominic Smith, albeit in a small sample size, disappointed in his major league time both on offense and defense. The Mets also have concerns with Smith’s ability to stay in proper playing shape during the season.
If the Mets are serious about being a contender in 2018 that it would certainly behoove of them to add a piece that is capable of playing first base and hitting right-handers. They already have Wilmer Flores that can back-up first and hit lefties.
Given likely budget restrictions and numerous holes the Mets need to fix this offseason I would expect someone along the lines of Lind or Daniel Nava. instead of a bigger ticket item like Santana or Morrison.
