Mets Obtain Billy McKinney Because There’s No One Else Available

Right now, the New York Mets have 16 players on the IL. That number will grow to 17 when Johneshwy Fargas hits the IL. That also means Cameron Maybin is the only active player with CF experience.

With that as the backdrop, the Mets obtained the recently designated for assignment Billy McKinney from the Milwaukee Brewers. In exchange, they sent 17 year old LHP Pedro Quintana.

In terms of Quintana, no one really knows anything about him, and he didn’t receive a large bonus. Long story short, the Brewers got well to get something here, and this may be the last time we ever hear the name.

As for McKinney, we know of him for a few reasons. First and foremost, McKinney was once a big-time New York Yankees prospect. In fact, he was one of the big pieces the Yankees received in the Aroldis Chapman trade.

McKinney was a well regarded outfield bat when drafted. He was supposed to be a high contact guy with power. It never panned out that way, but maybe, theres something still there.

To date, McKinney really hasn’t translated that skill set to success. Even with his just being 26, you’re probably grasping at straws to suggest he’ll begin to fulfill his promise.

While McKinney can’t really hit, he does provide speed and defense. Baseball Savant suggests McKinney still has good sprint speed and plays a good defense in the corners.

All told, McKinney is a player with some value. He can run, plays good defense, and has some power. That’s a worthy fifth or maybe fourth outfielder.

However, McKinney is an out of options player who can’t really be that. Just ask the Brewers. That said, with the Mets he’s likely a starting player for the simple reason there’s no one better available.

There aren’t any more healthy Mets, and we’re at the stage where we’re all trying to talk ourselves into Dee Strange-Gordon. To that end, McKinney is a good option, and fortunately, there’s real upside. Hopefully, he can tap into some of that to make a desperate move into a great one.

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