After the Mets made the splashy trade for shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco, Jared Porter said on WFAN this Friday afternoon, the team still has one major focus for the rest of the offseason.
“I think run prevention,” Porter told WFAN’s Moose and Maggie. “I think we need to continue to work on that – continue to improve our ability to keep runs off the scoreboard. That is not only the pitching; James McCann is going to be a big part of that, Franciso Lindor is going to be a big part of that. Adding someone who doesn’t have to be someone who goes out there everyday, but who can play good defense in centerfield is important. Adding a few players who maybe can dominate one side of a platoon with good defensive versatility is critical.”
This begs the question of what to do at the center field position. Is Porter okay with entering the 2021 season with Brandon Nimmo as the starting center fielder?
“Yeah, I’m comfortable,” Porter said of Nimmo as the starting center fielder. “I think it’s a really important defensive position … Talking to some of the guys here internally, it seems like there was a bit of a shift last year when the positioning with Nimmo improved a little bit and his centerfield defense simultaneously improved.”
Even though Porter said he is comfortable with Nimmo playing a critical role, the Mets current financial situation will not prevent them from signing another player such as George Springer or Jackie Bradley Jr. The former Red Sox outfielder has reportedly garnered interest from the Mets.
“I don’t think we are in a position where we have to force anything, which is great,” Porter said. “You want to have leverage when you make a decision and I think we have that. But it doesn’t mean we won’t look to upgrade defensively in certain places.”
Nimmo is not particularly known for his defense in center. Last season, he had a combined -5 defensive runs saved in center but 2 DRS in left field and 1 DRS in right. On offense, he has a knack for getting on the base path with a .404 on-base percentage. Porter has taken notice.
“(Nimmo) controls the strike zone as a hitter,” Porter said. “I love his at bats so much – left-handed hitter. I am so excited about him. He’s a huge part of our lineup no matter what.”
When asked about whether or not the Lindor addition would take the Mets out of the Springer sweepstakes, Porter said they will continue to monitor his free agency.
“We are going to keep evaluating the overall market and where guys fit for us,” Porter said. “Without getting into too many specifics on Springer, besides the fact that he’s a great player and he should be commended for putting himself in the position to have, I assume some great decisions and options soon.”
With the Mets focus continuing to be on run prevention, it seems the Mets are open to adding another center fielder.
