Tim Beckham

Position: 2B/SS/3B
Bats/Throws: R/R
Age: January 27, 1990 (28)

Traditional Stats: .230/.287/.374, 17 2B, 12 HR, 35 RBI
Advanced Stats: 0.7 bWAR, -0.5 fWAR, 83 OPS+, 79 wRC+
Defensive Stats: 2B(-1 DRS, -0.5 UZR), 3B (0 DRS, -1.4 UZR), SS (-3 DRS, -6.0 UZR)

After being the first overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Rays, Beckham’s career has not quite panned out the way he would have hoped. In the minors, he was suspended for a “drug of abuse.” Despite his off the field issues, he would make it to the majors in 2013, and he would tear his ACL. In the ensuing years, he would be surpassed on the organization depth chart by players like Adeiny Hechavarria and Matt Duffy thereby making him a utility player.

Beckham would mostly languish away in a utility role until he was traded to the Orioles at the 2017 trade deadline. In Baltimore, Beckham had new life. In 50 games with the Orioles, he got the opportunity to not just play shortstop everyday, but he had the opportunity to prove himself. He did that hitting .306/.348/.523 in his 50 games in an Oriole uniform.

Unfortunately, Beckham’s success did not carry over into the 2018 season. He would get off to a slow start, and he would eventually find himself on the 60 day disabled list with a groin strain. When he did return from the injury, he was unable to get going again.

With all the struggles Beckham has faced, he still has some tools. When healthy, he has decent speed. As we saw in 2017, he has the ability to hit the ball. Lost in the shuffle is his ability with players in scoring position. With RISP, he is a .258/.319/.500 hitter, and with a runner on third, he is a .316/.348/.684 hitter. Overall, while his career stats, and some peripherals like strikeout rate, suggest Beckham does still have some untapped offensive potential.

With Beckham, his real value is his versatility. At the Major League level, he has played all four infield positions posting no worse than a -4 DRS for his career at any of those positions. Defensively, he is a guy who can be trusted to play any position for a game or two or for a few weeks.

Contract

Given Beckham’s 2018 season, his career numbers, and the fact there are still starting middle infielders still available on the market, Beckham may not garner more than a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.

Recommendation

At the moment, the Mets are very shallow in terms of their depth. Looking at the organization, they have few backup shortstop options behind Amed Rosario. Last year, the organization seemed to sour on Luis Guillorme, and a few years ago, the team decided Gavin Cecchini was better suited to second base. This leaves the Mets contemplating playing Jeff McNeil at short, which is not something the team should do.

Beckham would be a no-risk and potentially big reward player. He should definitely be brought into the organization to compete for a Major League bench spot.