MMO will be looking at multiple bargain options that are still available for the Mets this offseason. With Sandy Alderson reportedly working with a limited budget, the Mets best chance to fill holes will be bargain hunting.
Since Juan Lagares signed a contract extension, and he faltered offensively and defensively in 2015, the Mets have entered each subsequent offseason wondering that exactly they were going to do for an everyday center fielder. This offseason is no different.
What is different is the Mets have some viable internal options for the position.
Lagares returned to his Gold Glove form, and he’s working with the swing coach who helped change the trajectory of J.D. Martinez‘s career.
While there is an open debate about whether Brandon Nimmo can handle center defensively on an everyday basis, we did see his ability to get on base translate well to the majors.
With Lagares and Nimmo, there’s a solid platoon option. There’s also the chance the Mets turn back to Michael Conforto. Conforto is coming off his first All-Star season, and he’s proven better than expected in center.
While these options are intriguing, they all come with significant question marks. Perhaps the biggest question mark is the ability for all three to stay on the field next year. As such, the Mets are the proverbial NFL team with multiple QBs heading into camp.
The obvious solution would be to pursue Lorenzo Cain (high end) or his former teammate Jarrod Dyson (cheaper end). However, the Mets probably don’t have the money for either having them look towards signing a veteran to a minor league deal.
One such player that fits that bill is 37-year-old journeyman Rajai Davis.
Despite being 37, Davis can still handle center. Since 2012, he has averaged a 1 DRS and 1.3 UZR in center. One of the reasons why Davis continues to play center well at this stage of his career is he still has speed.
As recent as 2016, he led the AL in stolen bases. Last season was just the second season since 2009 he did not steal at least 30 bases (he stole 29). Even better than the sheer total of stolen bases, he’s stolen them at a good clip with an 82% success rate since 2012.
The problem with Davis, other than age, is his hitting. He hasn’t had an OBP over .320 since 2009 thereby limiting some of the effect of his speed.
He’s only had a wRC+ over 103 just once – in 2009. More concerning is Davis posting consecutive 85 and 72 wRC+ seasons.
In the end, Davis is every bit as flawed as what the Mets already have. However, he’s more of a veteran presence than what’s here. As noted by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Davis had a calming presence in the clubhouse.
The Mets currently have only four outfielders on the 40-man roster so adding some depth there should be definite need for the team.
Davis would give the Mets much needed depth, speed and has hit lefties to the tune of a .284/.340/.432 clip in his career. On a minor league deal, it’s certainly worth a shot.
