According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the New York Mets and soon-to-be free-agent second baseman, Joe Panik both have “mutual interest” in bringing the former San Francisco Giants mainstay back to Queens, where he spent his college years (St. John’s).
After slashing .235/.310/.317 with 17 doubles, three homers, and 27 RBIs over 388 plate appearances for San Francisco this season, the team designated the former World Series champion for assignment earlier in the week.
His 9.8% strikeout rate in 2019 is his highest since 2014, his rookie season, but there are some positives to note.
Panik’s 9.3% walk rate is his highest since 2016 (9.5; 8.2% career mark), and his zero defensive runs saved and 2.1 ultimate zone rating over 700-plus innings at the keystone position this season both rank second among qualified National League second basemen.
As a point of reference, the Yonkers, NY native has found himself in a season-long funk before and found his way back. Over 526 plate appearances in 2016, Panik hit .239/.315/.379. Over the next two seasons (2017 and 2018), he slashed .274/.331/.384 over 965 plate appearances.
With the long-term absence of Robinson Cano (torn left hamstring) looming over this Mets squad that, as of Thursday afternoon, sat just a half-game behind the second wild-card spot in the NL, gambling on Panik to rediscover the offensive aspect of his game could pay off handsomely.
Once Panik, 28, clears waivers on Friday, he will become a free agent, allowing him to sign with whatever club he chooses. We’ll keep you posted as any new information becomes available.
