(Photo: New York Mets)
The New York Mets signed outfielder Alejandro De Aza to a one year worth a guaranteed $5.75 million back in December. At the time, it appeared the Mets were no longer pursuing Yoenis Cespedes and that De Aza would give the team a versatile platoon partner for Juan Lagares at center field who would get the bulk of the playing time.
But then as we all know, Cespedes followed his heart and signed a three-year, $75 million dollar contract to remain with the Mets as the team’s primary center fielder. That left De Aza as no more than a backup outfielder without a clear path to playing time.
“There are only certain things you can control in this game, and that’s how you play,” manager Terry Collins told Mike Puma of the NY Post. “If he plays good, we’ve got to find a way to get him in the lineup every once in a while.”
Whether De Aza is still with the club on Opening Day remains to be seen. Sandy Alderson said that it’s not inconceivable that he could be dealt during spring training although he was careful to say De Aza is not being actively shopped. Moving De Aza would allow the Mets to bring add another bat who can play first base and outfield, or give the team more money for a midseason acquisition or two. Any deal before June would require De Aza’s permission.
De Aza batted .261 last season with a .319 on-base percentage, while collecting 13 doubles, seven home runs and 32 RBIs in 290 plate appearances. He split his season between three teams; the Orioles, Red Sox and Giants.
Regardless of his circumstances he remains focused on improving those numbers. “Last year wasn’t my best year, but I’m hoping this one is better.”
“I just have to play baseball,” De Aza said regarding his current situation. “This thing, we can’t control. We all have to play the game and help the team try to win.”
As of now, De Aza figures to get limited playing time due to Cespedes, Michael Conforto and Curtis Granderson getting the majority of the starts in the outfield with Lagares being the primary late-inning defensive replacement. Unless one of those four get injured, De Aza is no more than a left-handed bat off the bench with an occasional start if someone needs a day off.
“What he is right now is a veteran left-handed bat on the bench, which is a position we’re certainly going to need,” said Collins when pressed this week for De Aza’s role.
