Curtis Granderson understands exactly what is going on right now. With the trade deadline approaching and the Mets looking like nothing but sellers, Granderson knows his days as a Met may be numbered. Granderson, an impending free agent, has also come out and said that he realizes his days as a Major League ballplayer may be numbered as well.
The 36-year old outfielder spoke to Howie Kussoy of the NY Post prior to Wednesday’s game. “I’m going to enjoy this season. If an opportunity presents itself for me to play, that’s great. If not, I’ve had a great run and I enjoyed it,” Granderson said.
After starting out the year slow, Granderson turned things around and hit .316 with eight home runs and fifteen RBIs in June. His totals on the season are up to .228/.329/.463 with 13 home runs, 18 doubles, and 37 RBIs and a career-low 0.9 WAR.
Despite showing some signs of life, Granderson has given way to thriving youngster Michael Conforto as the starter in center field in Queens. Grandy has started just one of the past seven games, and is hitting 2-for-19 in July.
As for this offseason, Granderson understands the market will be thin. “This is one of those situations where I know that an extensive, long term deal isn’t coming … I’m 36 years old. I never thought I’d be playing this long. We’ll see what happens, but there are other things I know I want to do.”
If this is the end of Curtis Granderson, he will surely be missed. Granderson is truly a class act both on and off the field. Despite getting the raw end of the stick in an outfield carousel in New York this year, you haven’t heard Granderson complain once.
Curtis Granderson is the type of baseball player and man, every athlete should strive to be like.
