Bob Nightengale of the USA Today reports that the New York Mets and infielder Wilmer Flores have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $3.4 million salary for 2018.
Flores, 26, hit .271/.307/.488, 106 OPS+, 17 doubles, 18 home runs and 52 RBI in 362 plate appearances for the Mets in 2017. He has his season ended early after fouling a ball off his nose in early September. He posted a -0.2 bWAR and 0.9 fWAR.
Wilmer spent a majority of his time at third base this past season, while also getting reps at first and second. His defense was an issue again with -8 DRS at third, -3 at first and -1 at second base.
Flores continued to hit lefties well in 2017 with a .862 OPS against them and improved against righties with a .765 OPS off them.
Currently, Flores would likely be the Mets starter at second base as they continue to shop for upgrades at the position. He’s also likely to get reps at first base against left-handed pitchers as part of a possible platoon with the 22-year-old Dominic Smith.
The Mets have yet to agree on terms with AJ Ramos, Jeurys Familia, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Travis d’Arnaud, Hansel Robles and Zack Wheeler.
