This The Mets have agreed to sign nine of their ten arbitration-eligible players to contracts. The only one remaining is Wilmer Flores, who according to ESPN’s Adam Rubin, will take the team to an arbitration hearing. According to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, the Mets have filed at $1.8 million, while Flores is requesting $2.2 million.
The front office took a harder stance on arbitration this offseason, stressing that they are willing to go to a hearing if need be. Sandy Alderson set a 1 p.m. deadline this afternoon to settle with eligible players.
Flores, 25, had the best season of his career in 2016. Settling into a half-time role, Flores slashed .267/.319/.469 with 16 homers and 14 doubles over 335 plate appearances.
The young infielder stuck out for his incredible performance against left-handed pitching. In 107 plate appearances, he hit a jaw-dropping .340/.384/.710 with 11 home runs. He has, however, continued to struggle defensively at some positions.
This is Flores’ first offseason with arbitration eligibility.
