The Mets don’t have any real interest in third baseman Brett Lawrie, according to what team sources have told beat reporter Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
With Jose Reyes expected to start at third base in place of David Wright, and Wilmer Flores, T.J. Rivera, and Ty Kelly all available to provide depth if needed, it didn’t make a lot of sense to pursue Lawrie.
Lawrie has declined dramatically on defense and his offensive numbers are not that much better than the options the Mets already have.
— JD
Original Report – March 5
The Mets are interested in free agent infielder Brett Lawrie, reports ESPN’s Jim Bowden. Lawrie was released by the White Sox on Friday after just a year with the club.
Lawrie, 27, was once a top prospect in the Blue Jays system, and had a fantastic start to his career in 43 games with Toronto in 2011. Since then, Lawrie has not been the same, hovering around league-average production (albeit consistently) in the proceeding five seasons.
Last season, Lawrie slashed .248/.310/.413 with 12 home runs, 22 doubles, and seven stolen bases in 94 games in Chicago last year.
With experience at second and third base, Lawrie could serve as a replacement for David Wright while he sits out due to injury. However, Lawrie, once an average defender, has slipped in recent seasons.
In 2015, his last full season as a third baseman, Lawrie was ten runs below average according to UZR, and three runs below average according to Defensive Runs Saved. He has seen significant, although less severe drops in his numbers at second base.
