With the Mets searching for either a second or third baseman, Wilmer Flores figures to be without a full-time job.
However, with the team seemingly not 100 percent confident in handing the full-time first base job to Dominic Smith, a platoon between Flores and the 22-year-old could help maximize both their values.
Flores, 26, appeared in 110 games for New York in 2017, hitting to a .271/.307/.488 slash line with a career-high 18 homers to go along with 52 RBI over 362 plate appearances. He also recorded a 106 wRC+ and .331 wOBA.
Last year, Flores spent the most time at third base, where he struggled mightily. Over 425.2 innings at the hot corner, he had -8 defensive runs saved and a -2.8 UZR. At first base in 341.2 career innings, he has -1 DRS and a 1.6 UZR.
What would make a platoon between these two work is that Flores is a strong hitter against southpaws, hitting .291 against them this past year. In a limited sample size, the left-handed hitting Smith performed better against righties.
Smith logged just 183 big league plate appearances and hit to a dismal .198/.262/.395 clip, with nine home runs. All nine of his long balls came against righties.
There has been some talk about the Mets going out and finding a platoon partner for Smith, as well as being linked to the likes of Adam Lind or Logan Morrison, but with other needs to fill around the diamond, a Flores and Smith platoon could be the most effective.
Plus, it would allow Flores to not have to play a position like shortstop or third base where he has performed poorly at throughout his career.
