Per Anthony DiComo on Twitter, teams have inquired about outfielders Juan Lagares and Michael Conforto. However, DiComo reports that the Mets have made the two untouchable.
The Mets are actively shopping right fielder Jay Bruce. They are also listening to offers for Curtis Granderson, however they would prefer not to trade him.
Lagares, known for his glove, has underperformed at the plate recently. Many have attributed that to his lack of consistent playing time, as he appeared in only 79 games this season, hitting .239 with three home runs and four stolen bases. When he gets consistent at bats, as he did the previous three seasons, he performs at a higher level.
From 2013-2015 he hit .261/.297/.364 while playing unbelievable defense, winning the Gold Glove Award in 2014. Even though his batting average was 20 points lower in 2016 than 2015 (.259 – .239), he raised his on base percentage by 12 points (.289 – .301).
Elbow issues severely impacted his throwing ability and therefore his overall defense in 2015, but his arm is now back to full strength. Juan Lagares has a lot of potential, and as he is still only 27 years old, it seems the Mets believe he will fulfill it.
Speaking of potential, Michael Conforto was made unavailable as well. After blasting on to the scene in late 2015 and early 2016, his numbers have fallen off the face of the earth. Even with one of the best April’s in the Majors, the 23 year-old finished 2016 with a .220/.310/.414 slash line with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs.
He showed glimpses of what he can be at the very end of the season, driving some balls the opposite way to left field, but it remains to be seen if that progress will carry over into spring training and the 2017 season.
Just because the Mets say these two aren’t going anywhere doesn’t mean teams won’t still try to yank them away. It is entirely possible that a team blows the Mets away with a deal that Sandy Alderson is inclined to consider.
