Author: Frank Caggino
Editor: Brian Symons
The month of May has been a challenging one for the Mets with all of the injuries they have suffered. The position that has the most injuries, is the outfield and in particular centerfield. New York’s starting center fielder Brandon Nimmo has been out for weeks and it is not clear when he will return. When Nimmo was playing rehab games, he suffered a setback. Other center field options have suffered unfortunate injuries such as Kevin Pillar getting hit in the face with a pitch. Albert Almora and Johneshwy Fargas got hurt running into the outfield wall on separate occasions. The Mets made a move for a center fielder by acquiring Cameron Maybin, who still has not gotten a hit yet. Center field was a position fans wanted the Mets to address, because they have not had a true center fielder for a long time.
The Mets tried to get George Springer in the offseason, but Toronto’s six year offer was difficult for the Mets to top for a player over 30 years old. The Mets knew that they still need a long term solution. They hope young prospect Pete Crow Armstrong can be the player they have been looking for, but he is out for the year following shoulder surgery. The Mets are fortunate to be in first place, despite all the injuries they have endured. All of their games have been tight because of how low scoring they are. This team can use a boost in the lineup in for order them to stay in first place with the tougher schedule coming up.
A very intriguing name is Byron Buxton because of how talented he is. However he is very injury prone, and that is the one thing the Mets have to avoid. Ramon Laureano is a good defensive center fielder who is competent offensively. Oakland is known for trading their players away and Sandy Alderson has an Oakland Athletics connection. Since the Mets have multiple injuries, a player with defensive versatility would be ideal.
With all of the injuries the Mets have, a player with defensive versatility would be ideal. Joey Gallo stands out because he is a very good defensive outfielder, and can also play the corner infield positions. This team has struggled with hitting for power, and Gallo has tremendous power. The downside is he strikes out a ton and would be another left handed bat. He might be attainable because of how poorly the Rangers have played. Kris Bryant would be another option, but the Cubs are playing too well for them to trade him right now. Another player worth mentioning is Ketel Marte who is a young switch hitter that has position versatility and is not on a great team.
Nonetheless, the Mets have to do something because they need to score more runs and Cameron Maybin is not getting the job done. The Mets will also need a two way center fielder for next year, especially if there is a universal designated hitter. Steve Cohen wants to win and hopefully the front office can find the right player who can perform in New York. It is unknown what player will be able to perform as a Met and all we can do as fans is hope the Mets front offie makes the right decision.
SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE
Commenti