The Washington Nationals made qualifying offers to Ian Desmond and Jordan Zimmermann, but opted not to extend one to center fielder Denard Span.
Span, 31, was plagued by injuries this season to his back, abdominal muscles and hip, playing just 61 games and batting .301/.365/.431 over 275 plate appearances.
He underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip in August that ended his season and could delay the start of his 2016 campaign. He also underwent surgery last offseason and then another procedure during Spring Training.
Despite all that, several beat writers are calling him a potential Mets target this offseason.
Marc Carig of Newsday says: “As I noted earlier, my sense is that Mets see Span as a target. Lack of a qualifying offer obviously makes him that much more attractive.”
Mike Vorkunov of NJ.com adds: “One strong fit for the Mets this offseason could come from their rival. Denard Span, the center field who spent the last three seasons in Washington, would be a smart and competent addition.”
FanGraphs is projecting a three year, $36 million dollar deal for Span who used to be solid defensively in center field, but has been below average since the 2013 season.
Span, who earned $9 million this year, had a huge season for the Nationals in 2014, batting .302 with a .355 on-base and led the league in hits and triples. He has a great eye at the plate and walks as much as he strikes out.
It’s too early to tell how the hip surgery will affect his speed which is a big component of his game. He has stolen 61 bases over the last three seasons. He will be 32 in February.
If healthy, Span could be a catalyst offensively. But for now, that’s a big if…
