There is something that many Mets fans, myself included, haven’t come to terms with yet and that is that the boys from Queens have a hole in center field.
Juan Lagares was one of the most exciting players to watch in 2014 for the Metropolitans (which I suppose isn’t saying much). His offensive production was not expected as he wasn’t a top prospect. His defensive abilities were always well documented, but I think he stunned all of baseball with his outfield acrobatics last year and it earned him his first gold glove.
However, Lagares is playing hurt right now and I would definitely credit his more-or-less undocumented injury as a huge factor in his underwhelming year.
It’s more than likely that Juan Lagares will undergo some sort of surgery to repair his injured elbow at some point. Taking into account Lagares’ injury, the only other option the Mets have in center is Kirk Nieuwenhuis and while he has produced well in his part-time role lately, I think it’s only a matter of time until the Kirk we all know (and still love) will return.
Enter: Gerardo Parra. The Mets can use some production in center field and it’s not even worth denying. Parra is a strong defender who is swinging a very hot bat right now producing at a .318/.361/.505 clip. He is a pure lead-off hitter with speed that plays a strong center-field.
Another benefit of a potential acquisition of Parra is Curtis Granderson, who would then be able to move into a role in the middle of the lineup where he more than likely is more comfortable in and he can be more productive for the team.
Parra is a rental, and many fans are clamoring for Carlos Gomez instead who is signed through 2016. However, Gomez is going to cost some of the high-end prospects in the Mets system and honestly, I would rather not take a huge bite out of the farm. While the price for Parra has reportedly been high, as the deadline inches closer, Doug Melvin and the Brewers front office might start to get a bit desperate.
Parra is the perfect fit for the Mets and he could be the final piece. Get it done.
