During a game overshadowed by negative Mets performances, Juan Lagares stood out as a bright spot in New York’s 10-8 loss to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night. The Mets’ center fielder went 4-for-5 with a home run, an RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base while providing his usual Gold Glove defense.
Three of Lagares’ four hits, including his home run, came off a right-handed pitcher; A great sign for a hitter who has been pegged as someone who can only hit left-handed pitching. As Wilmer Flores has shown this season (.312 average against righties after going 3-for-4 against them last night), Lagares could be starting to enjoy similar improvement against righties.
Yes, of course this was just one game, however if this is a turning point for the 28-year-old center fielder, it could provide the team with another key bat off the bench off right-handed pitching, plus the added benefit of not trading off offense for defense when you add his name to the lineup.
Defensively, Lagares continues to be one of – if not the best center fielders in the league. In 2014, while enjoying an everyday role with the Mets at the time, Lagares won his first career Gold Glove award, while hitting .281 with 13 stolen bases in 116 games. His defense during the 2015 season was hindered by injuries and there was some carryover last season , however his play in center field has returned to elite status.
Considering the Mets’ defensive woes, logic says Terry should have no hesitation playing one of the league’s best defenders whenever Yoenis Cespedes, Michael Conforto or Jay Bruce need a night off. Lagares is now batting .265 on the season and his .720 OPS is the best mark of his five year career in the majors.
