Mets Still Need A Third Baseman
Back to our regularly scheduled programming, the New York Mets still do not have a third baseman for the 2021 season. With the Nolan Arenado trade their options are dwindling.
We are not sure as to the realistic chances are of obtaining either Kris Bryant or Eugenio Suarez in a trade. We also know Justin Turner is seeking too many years, and his preference is to stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Mets aren’t in on Kolten Wong, and there aren’t any more free agent third base options available. The end result is the Mets running out of time and options to fulfill their massive third base vacancy.
And yes, it’s a massive vacancy as J.D. Davis has proven wholly incapable of playing that or any other defensive position. As we saw last year, without a juiced ball or overly inflated BABIP, he’s not worth playing on an everyday basis.
The end result of all of this means Luis Guillorme is probably the Mets best bet. He’s shown he can be a good everyday option at second base. While some may question his bat still, his defense there is elite and can carry his offense.
This means Jeff McNeil moves to third. Last year aside, he’s proven he can play the position, and as we know, his bat will play anywhere.
If that’s the plan, it’s a good plan. The only problem is the Mets don’t have the depth to cast Guillorme in a starting role. That’s obviously not his fault, and being fair, that shouldn’t preclude him from getting the starting position he’s earned.
Overall, the Mets are nearing Spring Training, and there’s no obvious third base plan. They don’t have the internal depth, and there are very few external options available.
All told, the Mets still have a lot of work to do.
We have a third baseman, an important right hand hitting one in middle of line up. The issue is his defense. In the absence of a trade, he’s going to play a lot. Playing a lot should help him defensively, he’s at his best when playing third every day, and looked good there last season when he did.
Late game, depending on the situation, he can be replaced for defense.
You’re not a third baseman if you can’t play the position
By the way, Davis played in 56 games last season.
6 Homers, .247/.371/.389/.761
In his first 56 games in 2019, he hit 6 homers, with ..252/..322/.430/..752
By the end of the season, he had 22 homers, and .307/.369/.527/.895
Funny how much his numbers cratered with a stabilized BABIP and no juiced ball
As I recall, you were making the same argument in 2019.
In that season, he finished with a very impressive triple lash for first full season in big leagues.
That season had a juiced ball, and Davis had a super inflated BABIP which was completely unsustainable
Pretty much same results 56 games into both seasons. 6 homers, 6 doubles, in 2019, 6 homers, 9 doubles 2020.
You’re actually trying to make an argument that the 6’3″, 218 pound, very fit Davis, needs juiced ball to hit homers. It’s a bogus argument.
His 2020 Exit Velo is nearly identical to Alonso’s. 90.1 to 90.2.
Confoto, 2020, 88.4
Dom Smith 2020, 89.8.
You’re trying to argue a fluke inflated by a juiced ball and over inflated BABIP is what he is instead of what he’s been his entire career.
That’s a ground ball machine who can’t Field
Sign Marwin Gonzalez. He would be a really good sub. He can play 1B, 2B, 3B and corner OF. On top of that, he is a switch hitter. He would be an excellent utility sub and pinch hitter.
He’s decent depth, but I’m not sure he can hit anymore.
Re: Marwin Gonzalez may not hit anymore.
Given your thinking, Big Daddy:
Then I guess, off the attenuated 2020 season, one might also say that Francisco Lindor will not hit great as well (i.e., not much more than .250)..
I’ll take Marwin’s 2019 season anytime.
We need a second utility player who bats righty and plays a credible SS.
Being a ground ball machine has zero to do with your claim he needs juiced ball to hit homers. You’re conflating an approach and timing issue, as same as lack of power. They’re not. The man is known for his hard hitting, his hard hit % is well above average. He’s a beast when he elevates.
JD’s launch angle significantly dropped in 2020. Hitting coach Chili Davis back on the bench this season after missing 2020, should help a lot with in-game adjustments. Since last season, players are no longer allowed to check their plate appearances on video during games.
No, it has everything to do with the juiced ball. That ball flattened out breaking pitches, and it made a ball which was easier to lift.
Without the juiced ball, he stopped lifting it because he really can’t.
We looking at possible 3rd baseman if we stay in house Luis Guillorme but he’s left hand bat. I would like to see if the Mets Could sign Justin Turner he would be a solid bat (Not a Mets Killer) possible a 2 yr ($20 Million) contract will a couple of options one player the other team option, as for trade route Kris Bryant not sure the last few years he has had a lot of injuries plus his asking price is going to be high in high prospects besides third he has played all three outfield positions mostly LF or Eugenio Suarez maybe see what the package would be needed by him self also if we go for Sonny Gray. Yes he is no Trevor Bauer but he is not far off plus he has nice spin rate.
Guillorme is a second baseman. I’d be thrilled if he got the job with McNeil moving to third.