Photo by Ed Delany, MMO
The New York Mets are expecting two injured players back in short order, third baseman Todd Frazier (oblique) and backup catcher Travis d’Arnaud (elbow). With both players set to kick off their respective rehab assignments with Advanced-A St. Lucie on Thursday, the team’s major-league roster is about to see some turnover, as well.
Tomas Nido will likely be heading to Triple-A Syracuse to make room for d’Arnaud once he’s ready. That’s pretty much a given. Considering the level of Nido’s receiving skills behind the plate and the collective injury histories of the two backstops ahead of him on the Mets’ depth chart — d’Arnaud and Wilson Ramos — it feels inevitable that we’ll see him again soon.
Regarding Frazier’s return and the corresponding roster move to follow, things aren’t as cut-and-dry. Frazier, signed to a two-year, $17 million deal last offseason, was expected to transition into a bench role this season, spending time at third and first.
Pete Alonso and Dominic Smith appear to have the first-base situation under control, so that’s that. With Jed Lowrie still sidelined, Jeff McNeil and J.D. Davis have been taking on hot corner duties. When Frazier returns, that’s likely going to change. And Jeff McNeil isn’t going anywhere.
After a solid spring (.309/.367/.491 in 60 plate appearances), Davis, 25, made the Mets’ Opening Day roster. A week later, some folks are wondering if his Grapefruit League success was just a mirage.
Over 21 plate appearances, Davis is slashing .150/.227/.250 with a 27.3% strikeout rate and a 57.1% groundball rate. Not ideal for your part-time cleanup hitter. In the field, Davis has made some flashy plays with his glove, but his lollipop throws to second (from a guy who moonlights as a pitcher, mind you) are concerning, to say the least.
Davis’ offensive potential and ability to play multiple positions (first, third, corner outfield spots) is surely what’s getting him such a good look from Mets brass early on. But Luis Guillorme, the Mets’ forgotten man until finally seeing some action in the field on Wednesday night, brings more versatility (second, third, shortstop), a more consistent bat, and elite glovework to the table.
Guillorme, 24, hasn’t hit much in the majors (.206/.280/.235 in 75 plate appearances) but we’re all quite familiar with his offensive exploits throughout the minor leagues (.287/.363/.338 slash line with just 272 strikeouts over six MiLB seasons; 543 games). Through my eyes, he just needs a chance to really shine.
Just like Davis, whose minor league success at the plate but a lack thereof at the major league level has plagued his advancement (.292/.362/.521 over five MiLB seasons; 507 games), Guillorme’s offensive upside is clearly visible. An extended look versus MLB pitching will give this organization a much better look at both of these players.
Davis hasn’t done much with his opportunity thus far. It’s time to see what Luis Guillorme can do. What sets Guillorme apart, in my opinion, is the fact that after Amed Rosario, he’s the only capably-equipped backup shortstop on the roster. Even when Lowrie returns, I’d much rather see Luis backing up Rosey.
Plus, if I have to choose between two players that aren’t necessarily big producers at the plate, I’m going with the more able, versatile fielder to fill out my bench. But that’s just me. Both Guillorme and Davis are eligible to be optioned to the minors. And when Lowrie does return, whoever sticks around now will be on their way out, as well.
Brodie, Mickey, and the Mets might as well get a good look at Guillorme while they can.
