Unless something drastic changes, the Mets won’t be signing Mike Moustakas or Todd Frazier to man the hot corner anytime soon.
According to Mets general manager Sandy Alderson on Sunday from the Winter Meetings, the team sees Asdrubal Cabrera as a lock to start most games at third base despite his ability to play around the infield.
“I think his versatility gives us the option [to sign a free-agent third baseman],” he said. “But at the same time, we’ve kind of zeroed him in at third base and we don’t want to move him around, so while he gives us some flexibility, I’m not sure we want to exercise it.”
In 135 games for the Mets in 2017, Cabrera hit .280/.351/.434 with 14 home runs and 66 RBI. He also had a 111 wRC+ and .338 wOBA in 540 plate appearances.
At third base, he was good for one defensive run saved and registered a -2.6 UZR in 350.1 innings.
The team has been rumored to be in pursuit of a second baseman, likely via the trade market. With Amed Rosario set to be the shortstop for years to come, that leaves third as the primary position for Cabrera to play.
While they could use him as a super utility type player, the writing was on the wall when the Mets picked up his option for 2018. With a limited budget, it was unlikely they would bring in someone to supplant him at third, especially with the money he is making.
