Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Infielder Jonathan Villar was one of the biggest surprises for the New York Mets this season, both from a production standpoint and how much playing time he actually received. With him set to hit the free-agent market, the front office is reportedly interested in the 30-year-old back for at least another round in Queens.

Tenchy Rodriguez of Z101 Digital was the first to report the news.

The above tweet translate to the following: “Source: @Mets interested in Jonathan Villar continuing with the organization, both parties are working on the agreement.”

So, it not only seems like there’s mutual interest in continuing this relationship, it sounds like negotiations to officially make it happen are underway. Even with an unsettled front office that could use some stability, the idea to bring Villar back on a short-term deal for at least 2022 seems like a no-brainer.

Last February, the Mets signed him to a one-year, $3.55 million deal to provide more depth on the infield for New York. It turns out New York needed him and much more with all the injuries that took place. Through 505 plate appearances (third-most on the club behind Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor), Villar slashed .249/.322/.416 with 18 home runs, 42 RBI, 63 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. His 105 wRC+ was slightly above average (and way better than the 65 wRC+ he produced in 2020), while he was one of four Mets position players to rack up at least 2.0 fWAR on the year (2.1, to be exact).

In a perfect world, New York won’t have to depend on Villar as heavily as they did in 2021. However, he showed his value to the club, along with his versatility by spending time at second base, third base, and shortstop throughout the year. MLB’s postseason isn’t even down to the final four yet and the Mets are already reportedly making moves for 2022. That has to be a sign for an active winter…right?