With the Mets looking to add more versatility to their infield, they acquired Neil Walker from Pittsburgh and signed shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera as a free agent, both of whom are switch-hitters. They provide the Mets with much needed depth and flexibility, and give Terry Collins a lot of creative options to consider.
“That’s what we are doing and we are going to continue to do that. … We are trying to acquire pieces that give us depth,” said assistant GM John Ricco. “We think we have some good players. Giving them more rest, ways to get them at-bats in situations where they will thrive, that’s the goal.”
One idea is to platoon Walker with Wilmer Flores at second base. Walker, a switch hitter, has a career .801 OPS against right handed pitchers, but only has a .656 OPS against lefties. Meanwhile, Flores crushed lefties with a .955 OPS in 107 plate appearances in 2015.
Walker, who batted .269 with 16 homeruns and 32 doubles this year, can also play third base if David Wright needs time off or goes down due to injury.
Cabrera can also start at both middle infield positions, and gives the Mets insurance in case Ruben Tejada and Flores aren’t ready for opening day. Cabrera batted .265 with 15 homeruns and had a 105 OPS+ in 551 plate appearances for Tampa this season. However, there is some concern that the 30 year old has is declining in the field.
“He’s lost range,” an AL scout said Wednesday night. “Because of that he’s probably a little below average defensively, but overall I’d say he’ll make the plays he’s supposed to make. You could do worse there.” (John Harper NY Daily News)
His numbers have also fallen off since breakout campaign in 2011 when hit hit 25 home runs and had 92 RBI, but he was still a solid player this year with a 2.2 WAR.
It looks like Cabrera and Walker will give the Mets just as much versatility as Ben Zobrist would have, but without the long term commitment. They are good stop gaps for the team until talented young players like Dilson Herrera and Amed Rosario are ready to take over a full time role in the future.
(Updated 12/11)
