Deciding what to do with Ruben Tejada is somewhat of a difficult decision this offseason. He definitely improved from his horrid 2013 season to become serviceable defensively, and he has always hit lefties relatively well.
He’s not a starting shortstop option for the Mets going forward, but as I’ve stated in the past, he can have value in a platoon role, or strictly as a backup middle infielder. The problem with him being in that role, is that I have never once seen Terry Collins bring in a defensive replacement for Daniel Murphy at second base, even in games when Flores was the starting shortstop this past season.
I’m also not sure if Tejada would be a positive clubhouse presence for the entire year as a backup. He’s clearly stated on several occasions that he thinks he should be starting, and it could cause an in-house issue at some point.
Sandy should see if anyone is willing to take a chance on him taking a step forward this offseason, as he is still only 24 years old. If nothing is available via the trade route, it would be beneficial for the Mets to just non-tender him and take the $2-3 million he will make in arbitration and apply it to another area of need. There is a good chance that Matt Reynolds or Wilfredo Tovar could provide similar value at league minimum.
Here is what some of my MMO co-writers had to say on the matter:
Connor – The Mets should either cut him or trade him. The Mets need more offensive production, and wasting a spot on someone who hasn’t sniffed league average offense since 2011 is impractical.
XtreemIcon – He should start. Simple answer. He’s the best shortstop the Mets have right now. That’s not to say the Mets shouldn’t look to upgrade, but that would have to come from outside the organization. If they trade for Addison Russell or Chris Owings, terrific. Tejada is then the backup or perhaps was included in the deal. But if it’s him or Wilmer Flores, it’s Tejada everyday and twice on Sunday.
Drew – His time with the Mets is probably at an end. He’s due a raise and there’s no chance the Mets will pay him $3 million to be a backup. He’s not nearly as bad as he’s been portrayed and at 25 he can still carve out an MLB career, but it won’t be with the Mets.
Gerry – Tejada should be retained as at least a backup infielder and get a shot at competing for the SS job in the spring barring no new additions. He’s still young enough to improve and has shown flashes of potential as a better and more consistent hitter than he has demonstrated to date.
