We’ve all seen the potential of Wilmer Flores over his time with the New York Mets. When given the opportunity, Flores has performed at high levels. Now entering his fifth season in the major leagues, Flores’ role with the only team he’s ever known is very much up in the air.
From his exploits in the Mets’ minor-league system to his less-than-heralded arrival in the majors, to the tears he shed on second base thinking he was traded in 2015 to the walk-off home run the following night, Wilmer Flores has become a fan-favorite in Flushing.
Now that the New York Mets have filled holes at third and second base leading into Spring Training, it leaves Flores with not just an undefined role. It leaves him with no guarantee that he’ll still be with the Mets once the 2018 season rolls around.
As saddening as that sounds, it’s a brutal truth that we, as fans, all must face. The Mets front office has been faced with this decision before; whether Wilmer Flores will ever develop into the player they thought he would.
The Mets Need Wilmer Flores As Much As He Needs Them
The Wilmer Flores we’ve come to adore over the past few years may very well be the real Wilmer Flores. Will he take the league by storm and contend for an MVP award? No, probably not. But will he play wherever he’s needed and be productive while doing it? Yes.
Can he hit off of lefties as well as right-handers? Yes, indeed. Flores has power, patience at the plate, and he even has a penchant for the dramatic. His .260 career batting average is right on point for a player of his caliber. But Flores’ career .725 OPS is what impresses me the most.
He’s got a great eye at the plate and his numbers from last year suggest he buckles down and actually performs better when behind in the count (.284 when behind to .253 when ahead). Plus, the fact that the Mets can play Flores at any infield position (barring SS, only in emergency situations we hope) makes him an ideal candidate to serve an important purpose for the New York Mets in 2018.
Barring an unlikely trade, Wilmer Flores will be with the New York Mets in a bench role for the 2018 season. Barring an unforeseen injury to any of the Mets infielders, Flores will likely stay in that role. But if he can excel at whatever job Mickey Callaway throws his way, it could mean a whole lot to the Mets this season.
Especially with the aging Jose Reyes, the recovering T.J. Rivera and Asdrubal Cabrera the remainder of Mets infielders, Flores’ youth could play an important role.
He has shown his power over the last couple seasons, and if everything clicks, he could be an offensive threat. Hopefully we get to see the 26-year-old get a fair amount of playing time as a super utility type player.
