Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reports that three teams are in the mix for free agent shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who is expected to make a decision within the next week or so.
On Monday, Efrain Zavarce reported that the Mets were one of five teams interested, but it’s not clear whether they are in that final three Cotillo is referencing. There certainly hasn’t been any buzz about it in Mets circles.
November 30
According to Venezuelan reporter Efrain Zavarce, the Mets are among five teams that are interested in free agent shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. Zavarce says that the Yankees, White Sox, Royals and Angels have also expressed interest.
Cabrera, 30, can play both shortstop and second base, and he has been linked to the Mets many times in the past. He batted .265 with 28 doubles, 15 home runs, and 58 RBIs in 551 plate appearances this year for the Rays, and he also posted a 104 wRC+ and 2.2 WAR in 143 games.
As his career .267/.329/.412 triple slash line shows, he provides solid production and power from his position. Since 2011, he’s belted double digit home runs in every season.
However, considering he is below average defensively, is he really that much of an upgrade for the Mets? They are already getting very similar production from Wilmer Flores, who is five years younger and produced a 95 wRC+ and 1.9 WAR in 137 games this year with 22 doubles, 16 homers and 59 RBIs.
Cabrera started 136 games at shortstop this season, where he posted a -6.0 UZR, -10.4 UZR/150 and -7 Defensive Runs Saved. Those marks were almost identical to 2014. At this point in his career, a move to second base is long overdue.
During the GM Meetings, assistant General Manager John Ricco recently went on the record saying the Mets are comfortable with what they currently have at shortstop.
“We got to the World Series and [Wilmer Flores] and [Ruben Tejada] were a big part of what we did,” Ricco said.
With a thin market at shortstop, Cabrera is expected to sign a 2-3 year deal worth about $9-10 million annually. Should the Mets look hard at him this offseason, or are they better off spending their money elsewhere?
