As spring training creeps in, the Mets have one big question mark on their roster. That is the super-utility role.
A few years back, Wilmer Flores manned that position but has since left for the Arizona Diamondbacks and most recently signed a multiyear deal with the San Francisco Giants. The Mets have tried to find replacements, signing Jed Lowrie last offseason to a two-year deal worth $20 million, but played just nine games and had eight plate appearances in 2019 due to various nagging injuries.
Expecting a return to his Oakland Athletics days would be just unrealistic for Mets fans. In fact, even expecting him to return and be a productive player in 2020 would be unrealistic.
As far as depth is concerned, the Mets only real option at super-utility is Luis Guillorme who, despite being a solid defender, hasn’t shown an ability to hit major league pitching (.600 OPS in 144 plate appearances). It might be in the Mets’ best interest to sign a veteran to fill the void at the super-utility position, especially since their roster is constructed to win right now.
So for that, the best option to fill the void at super-utility is veteran free agent Brock Holt. Holt, 31, would boost the team in a big way, taking away the “what if” factor from that position. The 31-year-old hit .297 in 2019, as well as posted 1.4 wins above replacement while playing every position outside of center field, pitcher, and catcher for the Boston Red Sox.
He has been a model of consistency and would likely command a short-term contract.
The Mets would have no harm to take a flier on him and frankly would improve greatly with this addition, especially since their most recent acquisition was Eduardo Nuñez, who took a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Nuñez was designated for assignment by the Red Sox last season after posting just a .548 OPS in 60 games.
I feel that he wouldn’t fit for a couple of reasons. First off, he is seemingly always injured and would not likely play a full, healthy season. He also hasn’t played in the majors since July 14 of last season and is very prone to make defensive lapses.
Quite frankly, Nuñez just is too risky. For that, it makes Brock Holt the best option for the New York Mets, who are in prime position to make a postseason run in the 2020 season.
