The Mets are among three teams including the Braves and Rays who are among those interested in free agent infielder Ryan Theriot, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. According to MLBTR, the Reds and Rockies are also said to have interest in the infielder
Theriot, 32, batted .271/.321/.342 in 132 games last season for the Cardinals. In 483 plate appearances he had one home run, 26 doubles, three triples, 47 RBI and 46 runs scored. He has always been very difficult to strikeout posting a 10.8 AB/K ratio last season and a 10.1 SO% for his career.
In 2011, Theriot played mostly second base and shortstop and is an above average defender at each. As a right-handed batter, he may be a perfect compliment to Daniel Murphy at second base and he’d profile well as a number-two type hitter in the batting order, and batted leadoff for the World Series Champs last season. Prior to last season, Theriot had stolen 20+ bases for four consecutive seasons.
He’s a scrappy slap-hitter with a head for the game and could be a solid addition for the Mets if the payroll would allow it.
