Mets Potential DH Targets For 2023

Needing to add production from the DH spot in the lineup at the trade deadline, the Mets acquired Daniel Vogelbach and Darin Ruf to platoon in the position. Neither player had been overly dominant in 2022, but both players had strong numbers against pitchers of the opposite hand. The Mets saw the opportunity to possibly get the production of one big bat at a low cost by platooning the two hitters.

As we all know now, the platoon did not go how the Mets had hoped. Despite a strong start, Vogelbach cooled off in August and September. He did start hitting again over the season’s last two weeks, but it was not enough to prevent the Mets’ collective struggles down the stretch. Ruf, on the other hand, never got going in New York. He hit just .152 in 66 at-bats and failed to hit a single home run despite his track record of slugging against left-handed pitching.

With the offseason and free agency approaching, the Mets can fill that hole in the lineup for 2023 with just money instead of prospect capital. Have to note first that Darin Ruf is under contract for the 2023 season and the Mets have a cheap $1.5 million option on Vogelbach. In alphabetical order, here are some potential DH options the Mets could consider for 2023.

José Abreu

According to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times, the White Sox are expected to move on from José Abreu. The first baseman has been one of the game’s best hitters since arriving from Cuba in 2014. In nine seasons, he has hit .292/.354/.506 with 243 home runs while playing in at least 145 games in all but one season (not including all 60 in 2020.) In 2022, Abreu hit .304/.378/.446, but hit a career-low 15 home runs. Despite only hitting half of his 2021 home run total, he still had a very productive offensive season.

Abreu could be a fit for the Mets for several reasons. As a first baseman, he could fill on for Pete Alonso on days that Alonso is the DH. He also fits their offensive approach. Abreu hits for a high average and on-base percentage, which was how the Mets managed to be one of the league’s top offenses despite not hitting for much power. Abreu could add some power to the lineup while also contributing to what the team collectively does so well.

On top of his approach at the plate meshing well with the Mets’ approach, Abreu would also make sense for the Mets due to his ability to hit both right-handed and left-handed pitching. He has hit .288/.347/.494 against right-handers and .305/.377/.548 against left-handers in his career. After how 2022 played out, the Mets could certainly use a DH who they could rely on to be in the lineup every day.

Josh Bell

The Mets were interested in trading for Josh Bell at the trade deadline, and now that the switch-hitting first baseman is entering free agency, it would be surprising if the Mets did not at least consider making a push for the former National.

Bell struggled after being traded to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline, but he was amid a career year while playing in the National League East. In 103 games in Washington in 2022, Bell hit .301/.384/.493 with 14 home runs.

Bell is another player who fits with the Mets for several reasons. He has a career .351 on-base percentage, and he has proven to be a strong hitter from both sides of the plate. He had a .816 OPS against left-handers in 2022 despite that being his weaker side throughout his career. His career OPS against right-handers is .827, so when Bell is at his best, he can be the middle-of-the-order bat the Mets need regardless of what side of the plate he is hitting from.

Brandon Drury

One option for the DH spot is a former Met who broke out in 2022. Brandon Drury had a career year this past season, and his defensive versatility would give the Mets plenty of options to keep him in the lineup when anybody needs a day off.

Drury had a productive year with the Mets in 2021, but he took his offense to another level this season with the Reds and Padres, hitting .263/.320/.492 with 28 home runs in 138 games. Drury had always profiled as more of a platoon hitter, but his added power made him a quality hitter against right-handers while still crushing left-handed pitching.

The Mets’ offense surely could use some more home run power in 2023. Pursuing a player who has already played in New York and hit more home runs than every Met not named Alonso in 2022 could help the offense take a step forward next season.

J.D. Martinez

Like Bell, the Mets were linked to J.D. Martinez at the trade deadline, so he should also be on their radar this winter.

Martinez profiles similarly to Abreu, a well-rounded veteran right-handed hitter who can be relied on to play against right-handed or left-handed pitching. He hit .274/.341/.448 with 16 home runs in 139 games in 2022. His splits are a little more skewed towards hitting left-handers than Abreu’s, but Martinez is by no means a weak hitter against right-handers. He hit .319/.401/.597 against southpaws while hitting .261/.323/.406 in same-side matchups in 2022.

While Martinez has a long track record as one of the league’s best all-around hitters, his struggles in the second half of the 2022 season could make potential suitors think again about pursuing the veteran DH. He hit just .233/.301/.400 after the All-Star break. Martinez certainly has the talent to bounce back from his tough second half, but at his age, extended slumps like that may be a bit harder to ignore.

These four provide possible fits for the Mets in 2023, but they are far from the only candidates. Trey Mancini has a mutual option with the Astros, but with his playing time limited, free agency could be on the horizon for the veteran hitter. Justin Turner is also another former Met third baseman who will be entering free agency this winter, and Mitch Haniger will be a free agent for the first time in his career.

Who would you like to see as the Mets’ DH in 2023? Comment below if you would like to see the Mets pursue one of these free-agent hitters or if you think there is another player available that would be a fit for this team.