Low-Risk Free Agents That Could Improve Mets’ Depth

Whether or not the Mets sign Carlos Correa, it’s worth examining what other options are out there that could help improve the team’s depth at the big-league level.

While the elite free agent hitters (besides Correa) are off the board, there are still some potential useful pieces out there that the Mets could sign to to inexpensive or minor-league deals to battle for a spot with say, Darin Ruf and Danny Mendick for a final roster spot.

Here are some interesting names still available in the free agent market that could help improve the Mets bench or at least give them extra depth in Syracuse in case of injuries if they were to sign for minor-league deals.

Luke Voit (1B/DH)

Luke Voit had an up-and-down last two seasons playing for the Yankees, Padres, and Nationals but he did win the MLB home run crown (albeit in a 60-game season) just three years ago. Voit slugged 22 homers last season in 568 PA for San Diego/Washington and does hit from the right side of the plate, so he could work as a possible platoon option with Daniel Vogelbach.

Tyler Naquin (OF)

After being acquired in a trade with the Reds at the deadline last season, Tyler Naquin filled in as the team’s fourth outfielder down the stretch. In 49 games in New York, Naquin hit only .203 with a .636 OPS. However, he proved capable in the outfield and hit .270 with 19 homers in 2021 for Cincinnati. While there are more interesting options out there, Naquin could be a valuable depth piece that could start the year in Syracuse if he doesn’t get any other significant offers.

Robbie Grossman (OF)

If the Mets want to find a veteran outfielder that fits with their high OBP mantra, Robbie Grossman could be a solid buy-low option. Grossman had a bad year last season with the Tigers and Braves, but he posted a .357 OBP in 2021 while drawing 98 walks. He is also a switch hitter and is capable of playing both corner outfield spots. Grossman could be a solid fill-in option should Mark Canha or Starling Marte get injured.

Tommy Pham (OF)

Another potential fill-in outfield option, Tommy Pham isn’t a high-impact player but can still hit for decent power, run the bases well, and play corner outfield when needed. Pham slashed .236/.312/.374 last season split between the Reds and Red Sox and hit 17 home runs with 63 RBIs.

Jonathan Villar (IF)

Jonathan Villar provided a spark for the 2021 Mets, and while his numbers were far from outstanding, he became a bit of a fan favorite in Queens that season. Unfortunately for Villar, last season for the Cubs and Angels went considerably worse for him, as he managed only a .208/.260./.302 slash line.

Still, Villar is a versatile defender with speed who runs the bases aggressively. He also has pop, as evidenced by his 18 homers for the Mets in 2021.

Jesús Aguilar (1B/DH)

Jesús Aguilar is an eccentric personality that would seemingly fit into the Mets clubhouse, and he has a history as a productive offensive player as well.
Aguilar is a former All-Star who slashed a respectable .261/.329/.459 in 2021 to go along with 22 dingers before his production faded last season, leading to his release from the Marlins. Aguilar is still only 32, and has posted five career seasons with an OPS+ over 100. There are certainly worse options out there if the Mets are looking for depth on their bench from the right side.