MLB Trade Rumors rolled out their annual Top 50 Free Agent Predictions on Saturday and they have the Mets turning to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera this offseason.
“Cabrera is neck-and-neck with Lowrie for the top free agent shortstop position. He’s got consistent home run power and good durability. Like Lowrie, his defense has been questioned and an openness to second base would help.”
They also had the Mets in the mix for shortstops Stephen Drew and Jed Lowrie, and outfielders Melky Cabrera, Colby Rasmus, Nick Markakis, Alex Rios, Nori Aoki and Michael Cuddyer.
I would prefer to go with Wilmer Flores as opposed to signing someone like Asdrubal Cabrera who I’d barely even consider an upgrade, and the thought of Drew or Lowrie kind of repulses me.
Among the outfielders, I probably would have tabbed Cuddyer for the Mets, but they seem to think he’s headed to Seattle. And honestly, I can’t see the Mets kicking the tires on Melky Cabrera, especially now that they would have to forfeit a first round pick to sign him.
The disappointing part – although not surprising – is that the Mets aren’t even in the picture for Yasmani Tomas, who is the only one out there that I believe can be a true difference maker.
Asdrubal, 29, batted .229/.312/.389 with five home runs for the Nationals, and .241 with 14 home runs and a .694 OPS overall this season between the Nats and Indians. He’s projected to get a three year deal worth $30 million.
