Last week, Mets manager Buck Showalter mentioned the possibility of the Mets bringing in another outfielder when the lockout ends.
“[The outfield] is something we have talked about, where we are,” Showalter said, referring to Billy Eppler. “We are on the same page with everything where that is concerned. It’s a scenario that we are examining to see if we feel comfortable with it. We’re always going to look within first.”
Could the Mets make another splash or will it be a gentler move? Let’s look at the options.
Michael Conforto
Conforto coming back? Showalter slipped up when speaking and mentioned “if” the Mets former right fielder signs with another team. Conforto declined the Mets qualifying offer prior to the lockout and seems set on pursuing a long-term deal. But with the way the market has played out, Conforto could pivot back to New York on a one-year deal to build back value after a poor 2021 season.
Kris Bryant
I’d be remiss to not bring up Bryant. Mets fans have been clamoring for the former MVP since his name was first brought up in trade discussions a year ago. There’s not much more to say about Bryant that hasn’t already been covered. He’ll cost north of $20 million per season, he can play third base and the outfield at plus levels, he’s is still a dangerous hitter. Will the Mets commit to Bryant for the next four or five years is the real question.
Braves Three
The Mets don’t exactly need an everyday starter in the outfield with Brandon Nimmo, Starling Marte, and Mark Canha already set plus the possibility of Jeff McNeil or Dominic Smith getting a start at a corner spot. Where the Mets seem most concerned is what happens after that. The options past that are two guys with a combined 18 major league at-bats in Nick Plummer and Khalil Lee.
This is where the Braves could come in. Atlanta has three outfield free agents that fit the mold where they wouldn’t play every day and could potentially DH. Any of Joc Pederson, Eddie Rosario, or Jorge Soler would bring solid depth to the Mets roster. It’s possible they’d battle Canha for the starting spot in right field.
Andrew McCutchen
Continuing to look around the National League East, Andrew McCutchen is a solid veteran free agent. McCutchen is no longer the MVP he once was but if he wants to chase the one thing he’s missing from his resume – a World Series title – New York could be the place. McCutchen might not want to transition to a bench role after playing 144 games in 2021 but at 35 anything is on the table. McCutchen is still an above-average hitter due to his eye at the plate (97th percentile in walk percentage) and is quick out of the box ranking in the 89th percentile in sprint speed.
Juan Lagares
Something these prior candidates have been missing is the ability to play centerfield defensively. It’s a break glass in case of emergency if Lagares makes his reunion in New York. The Mets have Nimmo to switch over if Marte gets hurt but Nimmo hasn’t been reliable in the health department either. Lagares would not be signed for any offensive prowess but at 32 he is still a great defender. He was in the 74th percentile in outs above average and the 91st percentile in outfielder jump. Plus, he knows how to play in Citi Field.
Kyle Schwarber
You didn’t really think I’d leave him out. Schwarber mashes at the plate and played more games in the outfield than you might have thought last season (87). The problem is he stinks as a fielder (1st percentile outs above average) and only has ever played in left field. A position the Mets have five players on their 40-man ready to play. Schwarber is technically an outfielder but if he comes to the Mets he’ll be at the DH spot with sporadic spots in the outfield.
