Position: 1B, B/T: S/R
Age: 32 (08/14/1992)
2024 Traditional Stats: 603 PA, .249/.319/.405/.725, 134 H, 19 HR, 71 RBI
2024 Advanced Stats: 101 wRC+, 19.9 SO%, 8.5 BB%, .286 BABIP, .315 xwOBA, -0.1 fWAR, -9 OAA

RUNDOWN

Josh Bell, a once highly-touted prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has become a journeyman, finishing the 2024 season on his sixth big-league team in eight years.

Bell has always been known for his power. He hit 37 home runs for the Pirates in 2019, earning his first and only All-Star appearance. However, after a disappointing 2020 season, Bell’s performance dropped off. Traded to the Nationals after that year, he found his groove again, posting a .800+ OPS in 2021 and 2022 with Washington. But with his contract nearing its end, Bell was traded again at the 2022 deadline, this time to the Padres. There, he struggled mightily with a .587 OPS.

Bell entered free agency following his short stint in San Diego and has since played for the Guardians, Marlins, and Diamondbacks. Over the past two years, he’s hit 41 home runs and posted an OPS hovering between .720 and .740.

The 2024 season, however, was a step back for Bell. While his batting run value improved to the 64th percentile, his xwOBA, xBA (.239), and xSLG (.396) all fell below the league average for the first time since 2020. His average exit velocity was also a career-low (88.9 mph). Defensively, Bell’s metrics remained weak, with negative marks in DRS and OAA. That said, his squared-up percentage was elite at 27.2% of contact, which remains his biggest selling point.

Bell’s sprint speed is below average, and he doesn’t bring much to the table defensively. However, he has a limited injury history and has played 140+ games every season since his debut. As a switch-hitter, Bell remains a threat against left-handed pitching and could be a valuable DH or platoon option for a team searching for power.

CONTRACT

Bell’s most recent contract came in 2022 from the Cleveland Guardians, a two-year, $33 million deal. While Bell hasn’t returned to the elite level of 2019, he’s remained consistent. Given his age and recent performance, he will likely sign another deal in the two to three-year range at $10-12 million per year.

RECOMMENDATION

The Mets don’t seem like a strong fit for Bell. It feels as if the team is keeping first base warm for Pete Alonso. However, if he doesn’t return to Queens, Mark Vientos seems poised to take over. The Mets’ future strategy will likely focus on big contracts like Alonso and Juan Soto, which makes Bell an unlikely addition. 

If they somehow miss out on both, the Mets would turn to someone like Christian Walker before turning to Bell.

Still, he could be a solid option for a team looking for a reliable platoon bat or DH.

The post Free Agent Profile: Josh Bell, 1B appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Position: 1B B/T: R/R
Age: 33 (03/28/1991)

2024 Traditional Stats: 552 PA, .251/.335/.468/.803, 120 H, 26 HR, 84 RBI
2024 Advanced Stats: 119 WRC+, 24.1% SO%, 10.0% BB%, .287 BABIP, .354 xwOBA, 3.0 fWAR, 13 OAA

Rundown

The Mets may not see first base as their top priority, but with Pete Alonso testing the free agent market, they need a contingency plan. Whether Alonso re-signs or Mark Vientos steps in, the Mets should explore every option—and one intriguing possibility is Christian Walker.

Walker emerged in Arizona as the successor to Paul Goldschmidt, who departed for St. Louis and quickly established himself as the perfect heir apparent. After spending years in the minors with Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Arizona, blocked by names like Mark Trumbo, Chris Davis, Freddie Freeman, Joey Votto, and Goldschmidt, Walker finally got to shine. And he delivered.

Since his breakout 2019 campaign, Walker has become one of the game’s most underrated stars, combining elite defense with consistent power. Over the last three seasons, he has averaged 32 home runs and a 119 wRC+, alongside a steady .250/.332/.481 line. Injuries, such as a 2024 oblique strain, have slightly cut into his playing time, but when healthy, Walker has been among the league’s most dependable first basemen.

In 2024, Walker shined, appearing in 130 games and tallied 552 plate appearances with a solid .251/.335/.468 slash line.He contributed 26 home runs, 84 RBIs, and posted a 119 wRC+. Defensively, he was as steady as ever, recording +13 Outs Above Average, further cementing his reputation as one of the best fielders at first base. Overall, Walker delivered a 3.0 fWAR season, reinforcing his value as both a powerful hitter and a premier defender.

Defensively, Walker is in a league of his own. Since 2019, he has led all first basemen with 58 Outs Above Average —nearly triple the second-place finisher. He’s won three consecutive Gold Gloves, with his 2024 campaign cementing his reputation through elite metrics like 13 OAA and seven Defensive Runs Saved. His combination of strong defense and consistent offense makes him one of the most complete and coveted players in his position.

Walker’s offensive numbers over the last three seasons are strikingly similar to those of Alonso, his main competitor on the free-agent market. While Alonso has a slight edge in OPS+ (131 to 123) and home runs, Walker counters with more doubles and triples and vastly superior defense. Walker’s WAR from 2022-2024 (10.8) surpasses Alonso’s (8.7).

Walker’s profile is unique, especially as a free agent entering his age-34 season. He offers consistent power, elite defense, and a balanced offensive approach, making him an attractive option for teams looking to upgrade at first base. For the Mets—or any team weighing their options at the position—Walker could be more than just an alternative to Alonso if he doesn’t re-sign. He might be their top pick if that becomes the situation in New York.

Contract

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Walker could command a three-year, $60 million contract in free agency. The primary question mark surrounding Walker isn’t his performance, but rather his age. He played the 2024 season at 33 and will turn 34 during spring training in 2025. If he were a few years younger, Walker’s elite defense might even place him ahead of Pete Alonso in free-agent rankings.

Contracts of this length and value for players in their mid-30s, particularly first basemen or designated hitters, are uncommon but not unprecedented. For comparison, José Abreu signed a three-year, $58.5 million deal starting at age 36, though that contract quickly became incredibly problematic.

Meanwhile, Edwin Encarnación and Carlos Santana each landed three-year, $60 million deals, with Encarnación beginning at age 34 and Santana at 32. Walker’s situation fits these precedents, but some might foresee that he’ll stay the course and not hit a sharp decline like the players mentioned, as his defense and bat still hold up well, even with age and injuries coming to the forefront.

Recommendation

The Mets appear eager to retain Pete Alonso at first base, but there’s a real possibility he could accept an offer elsewhere and leave New York. If that happens, the Mets should act quickly to address the vacancy, and Christian Walker could be an ideal solution. A short-term, cost-effective contract for a player who ranks among the top five first basemen in the league and still has plenty left in the tank would be a smart move for the team.

Given the Mets’ reported interest in Walker in past seasons, it makes sense to revisit him as an option to solidify the roster. Adding Walker would fill a potential void and align with the team’s ambition to make bold moves in free agency. If landing a player like Walker is part of the Mets’ contingency plan, it’s a sign that the franchise is setting itself up for success moving forward.

The post Free Agent Profile: Christian Walker, 1B appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

It’s time to examine the Mets’ depth chart at each position. First up is a position that will surely be one of the most talked about throughout the season: first base.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Big League Starter

Pete Alonso

Age: 29 (12/07/1994)
Contract: 3rd-Year Arbitration Eligible (Free agent after 2024)
Roster Status: 40-man roster

2024 Preview: Pete Alonso, one of the most talked about players this offseason, enters the 2024 season in what could be his final year in Queens. Rumors swirled ever since the trade deadline in August he might be traded, but the new president of baseball operations assured all Pete will be the starting first baseman come Opening Day. After a hot-and-cold season in 2023, Alonso still managed to clobber 46 home runs, third most in baseball. He mustered only a .217 batting average, and a pitch to the wrist in June might have contributed to the slump.

All in all, Pete will do Pete things in 2024, especially in his walk year — and while a contract extension before the season looks unlikely at this point, that’s not to say it won’t get done at some point.

Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Big League Depth

Mark Vientos

Age: 24 (12/11/1999)
Contract: Pre-Arbitration Eligible
Roster Status: 40-man roster
MiLB Options: 1

2024 Preview: Expect Mark Vientos‘ name to appear multiple times on this depth chart. A third baseman when he entered the organization, the Mets have put Vientos in a plethora of positions to see where he fits best. While his glove still needs work, he’s shown flashes of excellence at both first and third in his limited action in the big leagues. While the team expects Vientos to be the everyday designated hitter, he also serves as Alonso’s backup at first.

The real test for Vientos won’t be with his glove but rather the bat. The team wants and needs to see what type of hitter the righty can grow into and become. If that means they have their DH of the future on their hands, or if they need to adjust and course correct. Expect to see plenty of Vientos in 2024, as it will be his spot on the roster to lose.

Photo by Bronson Harris of Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Upper-Level Depth

JT Schwartz

Age: 24 (12/17/1999)
Contract: Minor League
Roster Status: Not on 40-man roster, Rule 5 Draft Eligible December 2024
MiLB Options: 3

2024 Preview: A former fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft, JT Schwartz has steadily moved through the Mets’ farm system. His career got off to a rocky start in Low-A St. Lucie but worked his way up to Double-A Binghamton this year, where he hit .302/.383/.437/.819 through 66 games. Like many other Mets, Schwartz can also play left field but primarily sticks to first.

He played in the 2023 Arizona Fall League, where he was named hitter of the week and led the Mets’ affiliate team, the Glendale Desert Dogs, in doubles. Schwartz led all Mets prospects on the Desert Dogs in hits (18), RBIs (13) and SLG (.437). Look out for Schwartz’s name if the Mets need depth at the major league level throughout the 2024 season. While he’ll likely begin the year in Triple-A Syracuse, there’s not much of a line to the majors in front of him.

Coming Soon

Ryan Clifford

Age: 20 (07/20/2003)
Contract: Minor League
Roster Status: Not on 40-man roster, Rule 5 Draft Eligible December 2026
MiLB Options: 3

2024 Preview: Ryan Clifford, MLB Pipeline’s 97th overall ranked prospect, will likely begin the season in Double-A Binghamton, his first full season in the Mets organization after coming over mid-season in part of the Justin Verlander trade. He plays both corner outfield spots and first base, with many scouts believing that he’ll eventually land permanently at first due to the defensive demands.

Ryan Clifford (Justin Verlander trade) had a huge debut in the Mets system with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones:

2-for-3, HR, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 2 R

The 20-year-old has 19 home runs on the season.

pic.twitter.com/fKxfzz5m4h

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) August 4, 2023

The lefty has pop, but a high strikeout rate. In 2023, Clifford struck out 140 times between his time in the New York and Houston organizations, only walking a combined 64 times. Clifford struggled when he got to Brooklyn, finishing the season hitting .188/.307/.376. While growing pains are natural, Binghamton will be the first test of what’s to come for him.

First base had been an enigma for the Mets for quite some time until Pete Alonso came along. However, depth at the position was still thin. With 162 games to play and his future up in the air after the season, the Mets might need to consider their long-term goals at the position.

The post Mets 2024 Positional Outlook: First Base appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

There are players we refer to as Mets legends legitimately. There are players we jokingly call “Mets legends.” With all the respect given to Adrian González‘s career, one that is very respectable and includes five All-Star appearances, four Gold Gloves, and two Silver Sluggers, he is a “Mets legend.”

After a 2017 season that was plagued by a back injury, the 35-year-old made an attempt to extend his career by joining the Mets on the last year of his existing contract.

Starting at first base on Opening Day, he went 2-for-3 with a pair of walks and an RBI in a victory over the Cardinals. On April 8, he hit a grand slam in Washington. On April 29 against his former team, he went 3-for-6 and drove in five at Petco Park. González served the role of “veteran presence” and a placeholder for incoming youngsters on a club not yet ready for contention. On a personal note, he was able to reach the 2,000-hit milestone.

June 10 was the last time he played as a Met and, as it turned out, the last time he played in the major leagues. A day later, he was released.

Back in 2006, González was a San Deigo Padre and slashed .304/.362/.500 with 24 home runs and 82 RBIs in 156 games. Over the next four years, he would have three seasons of at least 30 homers, 100 RBIs, and an OPS+ above 126. The only season when that didn’t happen was 2009…when he had 99 RBIs.

He followed that stretch with arguably his best year. In 2011, his first season with the Boston Red Sox, González slashed .338/.410/.548 with 27 home runs and a league-leading 213 hits, driving in 117. It was one of seven times in which he hit at least 25 home runs. He also won his third Gold Glove and finished seventh in the MVP voting. His best result in the balloting was fourth the year before.

When at his best, González was a consistent and dependable first baseman. In 14-plus seasons, his slash line was .288/.358/.488 with 311 homers, 2,010 hits, 432 doubles, and 1,176 RBIs.

The Case For

There was a seven-year stretch (from 2008-14) when he was among the best at his position—able to hit for power, average, get on base, and field solidly.

It was during this span that he averaged 29 homers, 108 RBIs, and had an OPS+ of 138. He also made three of his All-Star appearances, collected all his Gold Gloves, and won both his Silver Slugger Awards.

One way to figure out if a player has a path to the Hall is to find a comparable player who’s already been enshrined. In González’s case, it might be Tony Perez.

Through their age-36 season (when Gonzalez retired), the numbers for Adrian come out favorable. Perez had a slash line of .284/.346/.477 with four fewer hits and 14 fewer home runs. Gonzalez also has the edge in walks (767 to 676), doubles (432 to 345), and total bases (3,399 to 3,301).

The Case Against

The comparison with Perez ends when you take into account that the former Cincinnati Red played an additional eight seasons. Longevity is one reason, among many, that significantly hurts González’s chances.

Other comparable careers include Derek Lee, who was off the Hall of Fame ballot after one try, and Tino Martinez, who got six votes in his lone turn.

González’s 317 homers rank 41st among first basemen. his 43.5 career WAR is 43rd-highest. Another metric to consider is JAWS, which measures a player’s Hall of Fame worthiness by averaging the player’s offensive or pitching WAR over a seven-year peak. The average JAWS metric of first basemen elected to the Hall of Fame is 53.4. Gonzalez is at 39.1.

Postseason performance is an opportunity to enhance a resume. Unfortunately, the numbers for González aren’t impressive: a slash line of .266/.329/.453 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs over 189 plate appearances.

Final Thoughts

Adrián González is a classic “Hall of Very Good” player. For about eight years, his level of play was worthy of All-Star recognition. But for him to be elevated to Cooperstown-level status, he needed to either sustain his best level longer or have more production in those eight years. He should remain on the ballot, but he is not a Hall of Fame player.

As of publishing, he doesn’t have a single vote for the Hall among publicly available ballots.

The post Hall of Fame Case: Adrián González appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Position: 3B Bats/Throws: S/R
Age: 29 (11/24/1993)

2023 Traditional Stats: 140 G, 576 PA, .251/.336/.471/.807, 22 HR, 39 2B, 70 RBI, 127 H
2023 Advanced Stats: 119 OPS+, 117 wRC+, 3.1 bWAR, 3.3 fWAR, 22.1 SO%, 9.2 BB%, .292 BABIP, .319 xwOBA, -4 DRS, 0 OAA

Rundown

The 2023 season was arguably the best of Jeimer Candelario‘s career. A standout bat in a depleted Nationals’ lineup, Candelario set himself up as one of the hottest trade chips of this past season’s trade deadline, where he saw himself land with the Cubs. His play fell off a bit following the trade, but Candelario still enjoyed a season where he set career highs in home runs, RBIs, and OPS (excluding the shortened 2020 season).

Candelario has enjoyed a successful MLB career until now, even if it’s one that hasn’t been worthy of any accolades. After beginning his career with a brief stint with the Cubs, Candelario became a fixture in the Tigers’ lineup from 2017 to 2022, where he experienced highs and lows. Among the highs were a 19-home run season in his first full year with the Tigers in 2018, a .872 OPS season in 52 games in 2020, and a 42-double season in 2021 to lead the majors in that category. Among the lows were two seasons with an OPS below .650 and no All-Star, Silver Slugger, or Gold Glove awards.

A disappointing 2022 season in Detroit forced the Tigers to non-tender Candelario, and he became a free agent for the first time. He chose to sign with the Nationals and immediately became one of the best players on the team. Before the trade deadline, Candelario hit 16 home runs with 53 RBIs and a .823 OPS. He was then traded to the Cubs and hit six home runs with 17 RBIs and a .764 OPS with the team. He finished the year with 22 home runs, 70 RBIs, 39 doubles, and a .807 OPS.

Despite putting up quality numbers, Candelario finished the year well below average in expected batting average (21st percentile), hard-hit percentage (22nd percentile), and average exit velocity (29th percentile). He also finished around league average in barrel percentage (44th percentile), chase percentage (48th percentile), and whiff percentage (56th percentile). Candelario also struggled against non-fastballs, putting up a batting average of .170 against breaking balls and .238 against offspeed pitches.

Defensively, Candelario played exclusively third base with the Nationals last year but split time between third and first base with the Cubs. At third, Candelario finished the year with -5 DRS and 2 OAA, and at first, he finished with 1 DRS and -2 OAA. Being that he’s not exactly a wizard with the glove, he could potentially serve as a team’s designated hitter, although he can more than hold his own if he plays the field for his next team.

Contract

Spotrac.com projects Candelario to receive a three-year, $34.85 million contract, which is good for $11.6 million annually. That would put him right around league average in terms of salary for third basemen, which is probably what the 29-year-old is looking to get after his 2023 season.

Recommendation

If I’m David Stearns, I’m looking elsewhere for bats to supplement the lineup. Candelario is a good player, but he isn’t someone who fits this Mets team or someone who projects to improve upon last year’s performance. If anything, a regression is the likeliest outcome. That’s not to mention that Stearns recently stated that the Mets will be constructed so that “young, talented players do get a chance over the course of the year,” meaning either of Brett Baty or Ronny Mauricio will likely be the team’s third baseman.

Candelario has had an inconsistent career and would probably serve as the Mets’ designated hitter if signed. With better DH options on the market, such as Teoscar Hernández or Jorge Soler, the Mets should stay away from Candelario.

The post MMO Free Agent Profile: Jeimer Candelario, 3B appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

JT Schwartz. Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

First base is a tough position to break through in the New York Mets organization when you consider who is at the Major League level (Pete Alonso), and at Triple-A (Mark Vientos). However, that should not dismiss the start to the season that JT Schwartz is having for the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

The fourth-round pick out of UCLA in 2021 has a slash line of .271/.352/.500 with two home runs, 15 RBIs, and a .852 OPS. His 15 RBIs are the most of any player in the Eastern League. He is also tied for third in the league in doubles (5).

JT Schwartz got @RumblePoniesBB on the board with his first homer of the year last night! ☄️ pic.twitter.com/aNLopBlRHI

— Mets Player Development (@MetsPlayerDev) April 20, 2023

Schwartz has had an excellent series for the Rumble Ponies this week against the Hartford Yard Goats. In five games, the left-handed first baseman is 7-for-18 with two home runs and eight RBIs, including a home run on Friday night:

JT just keeps on raking! 🔥

Schwartz crushed a two-run homer for @RumblePoniesBB last night. pic.twitter.com/y6Dbt9Z8yq

— Mets Player Development (@MetsPlayerDev) April 22, 2023

Heading into the season, Schwartz was not a Top 30 prospect in the Mets system on Mets Minors and a lot of the reasoning came from not having much power numbers at the professional level. Here is what David Crocco had to say about Schwartz back in March:

“Schwartz typically has a solid batting approach. He keeps things simple, makes excellent contact, and has reasonably good walk rates of 11.6%. He has yet to adequately develop the power numbers to profile as a major league first baseman. Over 482 professional at-bats, he has hit just six home runs.”

While the power numbers have not been there, there is something to be said about a player that just makes consistent contact and can work the count. In the first 10 games this season, the 23-year-old has seen 4.37 pitches per plate appearances and has had a walk rate of 9.3% according to FanGraphs.

JT Schwartz drove in three runs on a pair of singles last night for @RumblePoniesBB. pic.twitter.com/EyUmMi3s4i

— Mets Player Development (@MetsPlayerDev) April 19, 2023

When Schwartz is making contact, it’s usually for extra bases. Out of his 13 hits, 7 of them have been for extra bases with five doubles. In the early stages of the year, he is getting the ball more in the air as evident by his fly ball percentage (39.5% according to FanGraphs).

Last year at High-A Brooklyn, Schwartz showed some good things in his first full professional season. He had a slash line of .273/.356/.400 with 6 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 46 walks.

He led the Cyclones in hits (109), was second in RBIs and third in walks. While he did have the fourth-most strikeouts (89), he was able to be a consistent part of that batting order.

The problem for Schwartz is that first base is known as a power position. When he was at UCLA, he had eight home runs in 44 games during his redshirt sophomore season (third on the team) and he had the best slugging percentage (.628) and OPS (1.142) of any player on the roster in 2021. The power is there to a degree, but it’s tough to teach a consistent approach (.514 OBP) to go with those numbers.

During his year with the Cyclones, Schwartz did talk about the swing change that he made. In an interview with WFUV, he said the adjustment to his swing was more geared towards the competition in the South Atlantic League and trying to find more bat speed by making the swing level more compact.

Having a good start at an upper level of the farm system is not something that should be ignored, especially when it is Schwartz’s first taste of pro ball.

The post JT Schwartz Off To Strong Start At Double-A Binghamton appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Anthony Rizzo

Position: First Baseman
Bats/Throws: L/L
Age: 33 (08/09/1989)

2022 Traditional Stats: 130 G, 548 plate appearances, .224/.338/.480/.817, 32 HR, 75 RBI, 104 H
2022 Advanced Stats: 131 OPS+, 132 wRC+, 2.3 rWAR, 2.4 fWAR, .216 BABiP, 10.6% BB%, 18.4% K%, .349 xwOBA, -3 DRS, -3 OAA

Rundown

After spending almost a decade in the Northside of Chicago, Anthony Rizzo came over to the Bronx in a trade last summer and continued to be productive in his first full season in pinstripes in 2022. Despite playing in just 130 games, Rizzo tied a career high with 32 homers, crossing the 30-homer threshold for the first time since 2017. Part of the reason for this uptick in power was a big spike in his fly ball rate, which jumped from 27.1% to a career-high 35%. Rizzo’s .256 ISO and 19.3-degree average launch angle are the highest marks of his career as well. The 33-year-old also recorded 40 barrels, the most he’s had since 2017. While his strikeout rate increased to a still respectable 18.4%, Rizzo’s walk rate jumped back up to 10.6% after falling into single digits last year.

While it was a great year in the power department for Rizzo, his game took a step back in a few categories. His .224 batting average is the lowest mark he’s registered over a full season, and while one could attribute that to his career-low .216 BABiP, his .239 xBA isn’t too encouraging. However, his 41% hard-hit rate and .374 xwOBACON indicate that Rizzo is still making decent contact. Rizzo’s defense also took a step back, registering negative-3 DRS and ranking in just the 17th percent of Outs Above Average.

Once one of the league’s best hitters against fastballs, Rizzo regained some of his old form by registering a plus-8 run value against four-seamers with a 50.8% hard-hit rate. He also hit 18 of his homers against fastballs. Rizzo was solid in the Yankees’ postseason run, going 8-for-30 with two homers, two doubles, five walks, and eight RBIs.

Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (48) reacts after game four of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Contract

Rizzo opted out of the final year of his two-year contract with the Yankees, in which he was due to make $16 million. The Yankees have extended him a qualifying offer, which is worth $19.65 million this year. Should he accept it, Rizzo will remain in the Bronx for another season. If he declines, the Yankees will be entitled to draft pick compensation if the three-time All-Star chooses to sign elsewhere.

Spotrac.com estimates Rizzo to be worth a three-year contract and $64.2 million. The $21.4 million average-annual salary would be the third-highest for a first baseman next year, trailing Freddie Freeman and Paul Goldschmidt, and narrowly edging out Matt Olson.

Rizzo will be 33 for most of next season, and his power surge in 2022 gives clubs reason to believe he can continue to be productive in 2023. While not every ballpark has a short porch in right field like Yankee Stadium, it’s reasonable to expect Rizzo to hit between 25 and 30 home runs next season. Given his decline in defense though, he might not be able to play first base much longer, which could make teams hesitant to give him longer than a two-year contract or pay him upwards of $20 million per year.

Recommendation

The Mets already have Pete Alonso locked in at first base for the next couple of years, leaving Rizzo no spot on the infield. While they still have a hole at the DH spot, it’s unlikely Rizzo would sign a contract to strictly be a DH. Unless he’s willing to play first base only occasionally, it’s hard to imagine Rizzo in Flushing next year.

The post MMO Free Agent Profile: Anthony Rizzo, 1B appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

In today’s game, most of the focus in Major League Baseball revolves around offense, and while first baseman Pete Alonso excels in that department, his defense also became a crucial aspect of his craft during the 2021 season.

Since emerging into the majors in 2019, Alonso has been highly regarded because of his incredible offensive abilities, which saw him break the rookie home run record by hitting 53 long balls in a single season. As a result, he’s quickly developed into a key weapon within the middle of the New York Mets’ batting order, solidifying himself as one of the top hitters in baseball.

Despite all of his upside at the plate — and there’s a ton of it — the 26-year-old acted as a defensive liability at first base over his first two campaigns in the majors, limiting his overall value as a reliable first baseman.

Proving to be an ineffective defender, Alonso committed 17 errors while also posting a -4 DRS and a -11 OAA rating over his 1,648 1/3 innings of work on the right side of the infield from 2019-2020.

Based on these concerning results, there was plenty of debate regarding whether the 6’3″ infielder would be able to remain at first base long term or if he’d require a positional change in the near future. Luckily for everyone involved, the young slugger focused on improving his defensive skills last winter, which paid off in a huge way throughout this past season.

Overcoming his previous woes, Alonso’s defense took several positive strides forward in 2021, allowing him to make significant progress in becoming a more all-around contributor. Though very few people believed this part of his craft could reach any sort of high level, that’s just what transpired as he performed as one of the top defenders in the majors.

Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Making a massive leap from his prior defensive struggles, Alonso compiled 1,243 2/3 innings at first base, generating career bests in DRS (+5) and OAA (+1) during that same span.

As for where these encouraging metrics were placed among the major league leaders, impressively, the right-hander finished tied for the third-most DRS among all qualified first basemen, according to FanGraphs.com. Additionally, he also ranked tied for the sixth-highest OAA rating among those same qualifications, according to BaseballSavant.com.

Combining all of these factors together, it seemed like Alonso’s chances to be considered in the running for the National League Gold Glove Award were fairly decent, unfortunately, he didn’t make the cut this time around. In turn, Max Muncy, Paul Goldschmidt and Freddie Freeman were named as the three finalists for the NL’s first baseman accolade.

Nevertheless, coming up short involving this defensive competition shouldn’t take away from the remarkable progression the former second-round selection displayed throughout the 2021 campaign. If nothing else, the success he enjoyed should serve as a solid building block for what’s next to come in his young career.

In just one season, Alonso went from one of the most unreliable defensive first basemen in the majors to someone who almost certainly received at least some minor consideration to serve as one of the three Gold Glove finalists – that’s a pretty impressive feat in such a short period of time.

Exploring his adjustments from this past season, the right-handed first baseman focused on improving his lateral movements heading into 2021, which had plagued him considerably in previous years. In particular, ranging to his left became a major priority during his third campaign in the majors, an area where he struggled mightily through his first two seasons.

Regardless of his positioning, no matter if he were aligned straight up, close to the foul line or in the hole between first and second base, Alonso faltered on almost every occasion when chasing balls to the left of himself – making for some frustrating results.

Here’s how Alonso performed when ranging towards the foul line from 2019-2020:

Source: BaseballSavant.com

Overall, Alonso earned a -3 OAA rating over 64 fielding attempts from 2019-2020 when tasked with ranging towards first base. Making matters worse, he performed even more poorly when he was needed to range to his right, resulting in an alarming -5 OAA rating through 162 attempts.

Though moving to his right remained an issue in 2021, his performance while ranging in the opposite direction proved to be far more successful, as he generated a +4 OAA rating over 54 attempts in that area.

And here’s how Alonso fared when travelling towards the foul line in 2021:

Source: BaseballSavant.com

Given this was just one season’s worth of positive results, it’s difficult to determine whether or not Alonso will be able to sustain his defensive production in future seasons. Having said that, his newfound agility should be an aspect he can lean on moving forward, especially if he continues to enhance it.

Another way the former top prospect can remain an effective defender is to reduce the number of errors committed, which saw him tied for the fourth-most (eight) in that category among all first basemen this past season. While he’s on the right path to achieve that goal, experiencing another positive push in 2022, particularly involving his throwing decisions, should help improve his metrics even further.

Considering Alonso has repeatedly stated in the past that he possesses no interest in transitioning into a full-time designated hitter, that is, assuming the new Collective Bargaining Agreement features a universal DH, becoming a reliable defender should help prevent him from needing to change positions.

Paired with his all-star offensive production, first base will likely be an area the Mets won’t need to concern themselves with next season, aside from providing the Florida native with an occasional day off. In an effort to keep his bat in the lineup during those off-days, utilizing him as the DH would be the most ideal way to do so, meaning he might play close to 162 games once again just as he did as a rookie.

While it may not seem like it, at least right now, Alonso has transformed into far more than just a power-hungry hitter and is someone who could lead this team at the plate and in the field for many years to come.

The post Pete Alonso Has Transformed Into More Than Just an Elite Slugger appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

After being considered one of the worst defending teams across the major leagues last season, the New York Mets were determined to put those woes behind them and were looking to take a positive step forward this season, particularly in the outfield.

Looking to make a big splash in free agency last offseason, the front office targeted outfielder George Springer and were hopeful he could help fill the massive void in center field, unfortunately, their pursuit came up short as the three-time All-Star signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. As a result, management was forced to shift gears and ultimately acquired a pair of depth outfielders in Kevin Pillar and Albert Almora Jr.

Since the Mets failed to land an everyday center fielder this past winter, they weren’t able to move outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who posted a career-worst -4 OAA in center field last season, to left field this spring and have been forced to keep him in the middle of the field. While there was some optimism the universal designated hitter would return for a second straight campaign, putting that in place has been delayed until next season, causing veteran Dominic Smith to roam in left field once again.

Thanks to the universal DH spot, Smith was able to spend significantly more time in the infield during the 56-game shortened schedule, as he compiled 193.0 innings at first base. As for this season, the 25-year-old has only spent 31 2/3 innings on the right side of the infield and has primarily been positioned in left field, which is an area where his defense has been a major concern in the past.

Coming into the 2021 campaign, the former first-round pick had totaled 470 1/3 career innings in left field, generating a -9 OAA, -6 DRS, -3.4 RngR, -7.2 UZR and a -22.7 UZR/150.

Based on these concerning metrics, it would’ve made plenty of sense to have Smith split time between first base and the DH spot for a second consecutive season. But since that hasn’t been an option in 2021, the Mets’ coaching staff has since focused on helping him improve his defense and they’ve also been locating where in the outfield he’s best positioned.

Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

While the veteran outfielder is far from a finished product, he’s surprisingly made significant strides in the right direction and hasn’t become a liability in left field up to this point, which has certainly been a welcomed occurrence. After working tirelessly to improve his defense over the offseason and during this past spring, the left-hander is starting to see his hard work pay off through the first two months of the season, as he’s near the top of the leaderboard in multiple different defensive categories.

After playing just 23 games in left field last season, Smith has witnessed his workload climb to 42 games and has compiled 319 2/3 innings during that span, producing a 2 DRS, 0.8 RngR, 1.1 UZR and an 8.1 UZR/150 – all of which are career-highs.

Comparing these encouraging results to the rest of the majors, the former top prospect is currently tied for the fourth-most DRS, owns the fourth-highest UZR/150, is tied for the fifth-highest defensive WAR rating (-0.6) and has recorded the seventh-highest RngR and UZR among all left fielders who’ve earned at least 200.0 innings, according to FanGraphs.com.

Taking into account his previous defensive struggles, Smith and the Mets deserve a ton of credit for this remarkable year-to-year progression, especially since he’s gained so much ground in such a short period of time. In most cases, it usually requires an entire 162-game schedule, and sometimes even more time than that, before a player begins witnessing significant improvements regarding their defense.

So how has Smith found a way to perform more effectively in left field this season?

Well, a major component of his progression has been where the team has positioned him before the start of each play. Since the Junipero Serra HS standout has historically struggled with his range in the outfield, the coaching staff has decided to move him closer to the foul line, which has made it much easier for him to track down balls when ranging to his right.

Here are Smith’s starting points from this season:

Source: BaseballSavant.com

In comparison, here are Smith’s starting points from 2018-2020:

Source: BaseballSavant.com

Unlike previous seasons, Smith hasn’t been caught in “no man’s land” nearly as much in 2021 and also hasn’t needed to track down as many balls in the gap, allowing him to thrive in the left-field corner. In addition, this new positioning has also seemingly helped him perform more effectively on plays where he’s needed to range towards the infield, which is something he’s struggled with in the past.

But based on his -2 OAA, which is tied for fourth-worst among all qualified left fielders, it’s clear the California native still has some room to grow as the season progresses, particularly when ranging to his left. Having said that, there’s no question the Mets are extremely pleased with the work he’s already accomplished so far.

Since the current Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire this winter, all signs are pointing to the universal DH becoming a permanent part of the game moving forward, meaning this will likely be the final season Smith is required to serve as a full-time left fielder. Looking ahead to future seasons, the lefty slugger should be able to occupy first base regularly and could also occasionally rotate through the DH spot as well.

Even though Smith is far better suited to be positioned in the infield and is destined to make that transition in the future, positional flexibility has become an extremely valuable asset of this era, so his improved defense could entice the Mets to utilize him at multiple positions in 2022 and beyond.

The post Dominic Smith Making Progress With Defense in Left Field This Season appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports

After receiving disappointing results from the catcher position last season, the New York Mets made it a priority to acquire one of the top backstops in free agency and they did exactly that by signing catcher James McCann to a four-year, $40.6 million contract over the offseason.

By making this move, the Mets have finally filled a massive hole on their roster that’s needed to be addressed for the last several seasons, especially since it became very clear veteran Wilson Ramos wasn’t going to be a long-term solution or any solution for that matter.

As a result, this team won’t need to worry about who’s positioned behind home plate in 2021 as they’re in good hands with the 2019 AL All-Star serving as the everyday catcher.

Behind McCann, teammate Tomas Nido will serve as New York’s backup catcher once again and will be aiming to build off his promising 2020 campaign, which was cut short due to COVID-19. While it’s unclear as to how much playing time the 26-year-old backstop will receive this season, the coaching staff is expecting him to continue providing reliable defense whenever he’s called upon to come off the bench.

Considering taxi squads are returning for a second-straight season, the Mets’ squad will need to feature at least one catcher and rookie Patrick Mazeika could spend some time in that role, as he’s the only other catcher on the 40-man roster.

With former teammate Ali Sanchez traded to the St. Louis Cardinals before spring training opened, this move opened the door for Mazeika to take on a much larger role and he might finally make his major league debut after spending the last six seasons in the minors and at the alternate training site.

Though there’s a very good chance the 27-year-old will likely spend the majority, if not all, of this season on the taxi squad, injuries are destined to pop up over a 162-game schedule and that’s exactly how the former eighth-round selection could earn his opportunity in the big leagues.

Since McCann hasn’t played more than 118 games in a single season before, an increased workload could potentially make him more susceptible to injuries in 2021, especially since the catcher position is such a physically demanding job.

So what could Mazeika offer if he’s needed to serve as an injury/COVID-19 replacement?

Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports

The 6′ 3″ catcher was primarily known for his offense throughout his collegiate career at Stetson University and he’s carried that narrative over to the Mets’ organization, allowing him to gradually climb through the minors thanks to his skills in the batter’s box.

But due to a lack of strength coming out of college, Mazeika struggled to hit the ball beyond the warning track in the minors, forcing him to become a reliable on-base threat, which certainly isn’t the worst scenario. Leaning on his plate discipline, strikeouts didn’t become a major issue for the offensive-first catcher in the early stages of his minor league career, resulting in high walks and hits totals.

Finding holes in the defense, the left-handed hitter posted a BABIP of at least .320 and a wRC+ of at least 139 at each of the first three levels he played at within New York’s minor-league system. In addition, he also generated a walk rate of at least 9.0% and didn’t produce a strikeout rate higher than 13.3% during that same span.

Once Mazeika returned to Double-A Binghamton in 2018, he started trading most of his contact for power and utilized this same approach during the following season. But while his slugging metrics increased dramatically, earning him a ton of attention across the Eastern League, his ability to remain disciplined took a major step backward as he transformed into a boom or bust type of hitter.

In particular, the former Hatter slugged his way through the 2019 campaign, producing 25 doubles, 16 home runs (career-high), 69 RBIs, .182 ISO, 45.2% FB rate, a 116 wRC+ score and a slashing line of .245/.312/.426/.738 over his 462 plate appearances with the Rumble Ponies.

Digging deeper into his slugging metrics, the former Eastern League Player of the Week winner finished with the most RBIs, tied for the most doubles, the second-most home runs, the fifth-highest ISO, the seventh-highest slugging percentage, the ninth-highest OPS and wRC+ score, the 11th-highest fly ball rate and the 15th-highest average among all catchers in the Eastern League who earned at least 200 plate appearances, according to FanGraphs.com.

On the other hand, this all-or-nothing approach resulted in a 19.3% strikeout rate, 8.0% walk rate and a .271 BABIP in 2019, preventing Mazeika from performing as a well-rounded hitter. Still, if he cuts down his swing and learns to become less aggressive at the plate, the lefty slugger could provide some much-needed offense off the bench if he’s needed to fill in at some point this season.

Moving to his defensive capabilities, the Mets’ backstop has plenty of room to grow with the glove, as most experts consider him an average pitch framer who also needs to improve his blocking. As for his throwing ability, his lack of arm strength prevents him from gunning down runners effectively and his accuracy has also proven to be inconsistent at times.

Due to Mazeika’s struggles behind the plate, the club had him spend plenty of time working at first base during the 2019 campaign, compiling 429 2/3 innings at that position. Since he also worked 443 2/3 innings behind the dish, it seems manager Luis Rojas could utilize him at both spots if the versatile fielder works his way onto the 26-man roster in 2021.

With just one minor-league option remaining after this season, it’d be very beneficial for the Mets to discover what they have in Mazeika sooner rather than later, meaning they should promote him off the taxi squad if an opportunity presents itself at either first base or the catcher position.

While his expectations should probably be set fairly low, the Massachusetts native could surprise a ton of pitchers with his power swing, potentially allowing him to create a respectable amount of damage.

Based on these factors, the fanbase should keep a close eye on New York’s No. 3 catcher all season long, or they might be caught off guard if he earns an opportunity to suit up with the major league squad this summer. But even if he doesn’t, this team is much better prepared behind the plate than they were at any point last season, which is a major accomplishment for the front office.

The post Don’t Forget About Patrick Mazeika This Season appeared first on Metsmerized Online.