Though Amed Rosario saw his playing time diminish in 2020 thanks to rookie standout Andrés Giménez, it seems that the Mets are looking to find a way to keep Rosario on the field in 2021.
When looking back at the now 25-year-old’s efforts this past season, it becomes clear why that playing time dwindled.
On the offensive end, the young shortstop regressed mightily compared to 2019 – walks were down, strikeouts went up (.12 walks to strikeouts ratio). As for his base stealing, there was none (he was caught stealing one time).
Defensively Rosario actually did quite well, evident by the lack of errors as well as his DRS, which improved to -3 (in 37 GS at SS) compared to 2019’s -10 (in 151 GS at SS) – though sample size is important to note.
Nevertheless, the Mets appear confident in a rebound.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, a Mets’ official has said that Rosario playing multiple positions during the 2021 season is “likely in the cards.”
Shortstop has been Rosario’s primary position, aside from a passing start at third in the minors as well as a start in left field. However, the idea of moving Rosario on the field has floated around once before.
Also of note: Rosario’s agent, Ulises Cabrera, has denied any report of Rosario becoming a multi-position player for the upcoming season.
Speaking to Sherman, Cabrera said “As far as we are concerned, Amed Rosario is the starting shortstop of the New York Mets, and he’s working out and preparing as such.”
Rosario’s case is undoubtedly going to be an interesting one going into 2021. Reports of the Mets’ interest in Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor, now coupled with possible position changes for Rosario, seem to hint at his move from the Mets’ shortstop position.
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