Derek Dietrich
Position: 1B/2B/3B/LF
Bats/Throws: L/R
Date of Birth: 7/18/1989 (29)
Traditional Stats: .265/.330/.421, 26 2B, 2 3B, 16 HR, 45 RBI
Advanced Stats: 112 OPS+, 109 wRC+, 0.9 fWAR, 0.4 bWAR
Defensive Stats: LF (-13 DRS), 2B (0 DRS), 1B (-1 DRS), 3B (0 DRS).
The Mets moved on from Wilmer Flores so now it is time to add the left handed version of him. Jokes aside, Derek Dietrich is more athletic and can at least stand in the outfield and at third base. That said, he is not a good defender, he is just a bit more playable.
Dietrich is also a lefty which makes him more appealing since roughly 85% of the pitchers throws right-handed.
Since 2015, Dietrich has slashed .262/.344/.428 with 112 wRC+ while playing multiple positions. In that same period against righties, he has hit .269/.352/.444. He does not walk a lot but he does get hit by a lot of pitches which gives him his above-average OBP. He usually gets hit by a pitch 15-20 times a year.
The Marlins moved on from him due to the fact he was getting more expensive and he was an unnecessary piece to their team. A contending team could surely use his bat on the bench which is what the Mets would use him for.
Contract
He should get a one-year deal worth about $3 million. He is a nice player, but one that can be found on the market all the time. Think Kelly Johnson but slightly less versatile.
My Thoughts
I would certainly love to see him off the bench before anyone currently on the projected bench aside from McNeil (he will probably start though). He definitely improves the team and provides a bit more depth behind Robinson Cano, Peter Alonso, and McNeil. Perhaps the Mets will target him as an option if they miss out on Marwin Gonzalez.
