While reports have surfaced that the Dodgers are actively shopping Yasiel Puig, counter reports say the Mets are not interested in the right fielder.
Per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets are well aware of Puig’s history, both good and bad and “A.J. Pollock appears to be more intriguing to them right now.” Further, Andy Martino of SNY.tv says the Mets are not interested in Puig at all.
Puig, 28, is entering his final year of arbitration and is due to hit free agency following the 2019 season. MLB Trade Rumors projects that he will make $11.3 million this season after slashing .267/.327/.494 with 23 home runs, 63 RBIs, and a 123 wRC+ across 125 games in 2018. He also recorded six DRS with a -3.6 UZR in right field.
Pollock, 31, is a free agent and is looking for a very lucrative contract. The injury-plagued center fielder hit .257/.316/.484 with 21 home runs, 65 RBIs, and a 110 wRC+ in 2018. He is an above-average center fielder, continuing the trend with six DRS and a -0.7 UZR last season.
Pollock is a better fit for the Mets as he’s a center fielder and hits lefties better than righties, while Puig is a right fielder and has reverse offensive splits. Pollock is very expensive, however, so while there continues to be interest in the former Diamondback, look for the Mets to explore other cheaper options first.
