Now that Michael Cuddyer has been crossed out from the Mets” list of potential free-agent targets, a new name has emerged according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
“Michael Morse is one such name who fits the Mets’ criteria, according to a person with knowledge of the club’s internal discussions.”
Morse, 32, gave the Giants a nice return on their investment this season, batting .279/.336/.475 with 16 homers and 61 RBI in 438 at-bats, while becoming a positive clubhouse influence and a significant part of San Francisco’s postseason run.
A right-handed slugger, Morse is not far removed from his best season in 2011 when he batted .303/.360/.550 with 31 homers and 95 RBI for the Washington Nationals.
Puma spoke to one major league talent evaluator who pointed out the big concern with Morse, his health history. He hasn’t played a full season since 2011 and there are questions if he can handle the grind of playing the outfield on a regular basis. “You worry about his legs,” the evaluator said.
Morse was bothered by a nagging oblique injury which cut into his playing time during the final two months of the season and limited him in the postseason.
The Giants did not extend Morse a qualifying offer, so the fact that the Mets won’t have to forfeit a first round pick to sign him will have some added appeal for Sandy Alderson.
Another thing you could put in the plus column is that he can do some damage versus left-handed pitchers. He slugged .511 against them in the regular season and owns a .485 career slugging percentage against southpaws.
He also likes to get his swings in at the plate, “I just put it in play,” Morse said. “You never know what can happen.”
Big thing to remember is that he can play left field and first base, though not particularly well, so that versatility may come in handy for the Mets especially if Lucas Duda continues to struggle against LHP.
The Mets would prefer Morse on a one-year deal, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if a couple of teams offered him two years at around $10-12 million annually.
So there you have it, thumbs up or thumbs down?
