The New York Mets are still evaluating free-agent third baseman Yulieski Gourriel, general manager Sandy Alderson said during a press conference on Wednesday. One of the factors that gives Alderson pause is that Gourriel would need around a month in the minors before he would be ready to contribute at the big league level.
As we reported earlier in the week, Gourriel held a private workout for the Mets in Port St. Lucie and by all accounts it was rather extensive and he impressed coaches and scouts in attendance.
“We had a lot of people down there to take a look. We haven’t made a decision yet,” said Alderson.
“He ran the bases. Took ground balls at third and at second. Looks like he is probably a very good defensive third baseman and second baseman. Great hands, good arm, if those were ever issues. Took two solid rounds of batting practice. Ran fairly well. So it was a good workout.”
With the Mets starving for a dynamic bat to resuscitate an offense that ranks last or next to last in runs scored, OPS, and batting with runners in scoring position, you would think they’d place a high priority on Gourriel who can replace David Wright at third base and can also play second base.
Several reports on Monday said that Gourriel is looking to sign a deal within 1-2 weeks. He has already worked out for the Dodgers, Cardinals and Astros, plus there’s interest from another 3-4 teams including the Yankees.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, examined the market for Gourriel, gauged the level of interest from known suitors, and in the end he believes the Mets remain the best fit for him.
“The most logical suitor for Gurriel remains the Mets. He could play third in the absence of David Wright, then move to second next season if Neil Walker departs as a free agent. Gurriel also could move to second if Wright returns in 2017, or remain at third if the Mets prefer to go with second-base prospect Dilson Herrera.”
Gourriel, 32, has produced some gaudy offensive numbers in his career, owning a .335 average with a .417 on-base and a .580 slugging percentage, while earning the distinction of the top International player by Baseball America.
A five-tool player, this Cuban sensation has amassed 308 doubles, 48 triples, 250 home runs, 125 stolen bases and 1,018 RBI in 5,491 plate appearances.
He will likely command between $10 and $11 million per season according to several estimates, and given his age may end up getting no more than a two or three year deal. Additionally, he wont cost a team any prospects or a first round pick.
Yoenis Cespedes considers Gourriel a close friend and recently told NJ Advance Media, “For me, he’s one of the most complete players that has ever come out of Cuba. When I played in Cuba, he was the best player in Cuba.”
I can certainly understand Sandy Alderson’s hesitation because Gourriel would need a month essentially to go through a spring training type preparation. But it will be 3-4 weeks anyway before teams begin dealing the kind of hitters the Mets need via trade. So what are we really talking about here?
The way I see it, if the Mets don’t find some way to drastically boost this offense like they did last year with the addition of Cespedes, they’re going to have their work cut out for them if they plan on returning to the post season again.
