Marcos Mendoza | January 18th, 2019
According to reports from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Diamondbacks and infielder Wilmer Flores have come to an agreement on a 1yr $4.25 million deal.
Flores has spent the past six seasons with the New York Mets. He was a fan favorite in New York, after almost getting traded in 2015, two days before the trade deadline for Carlos Gomez. News broke off during the game and Flores was seen shedding tears on the field as he thought his Mets career was over. The Mets backed out of the deal for Gomez after an issue with his hip and Flores remained a Met for the next three seasons.
Last season the 27 yr old slashed .267/.319/417 and slugged 11 HRs with a .150 ISO. Flores also had a 103 wRC+ and a 0.5 WAR. His power numbers were down from the past 3 seasons, as his .150 ISO last season was the lowest of his career.
It is unlikely that Flores will see an everyday role with the Diamondbacks. Flores brings depth as an infielder, last season as a New York Met, Flores spent most of his time at first base, but he has spent time throughout his career at second base, shortstop and third base.
The Diamondbacks could incorporate Flores multiple ways in the lineup. He could start at second base, and they could move Ketel Marte to center-field, or he could see time at shortstop or third base when Eduardo Escobar and Nick Ahmed need a day off. The most likely scenario for Flores is splitting time as a platoon with Jake Lamb at first base. With Lamb’s struggles vs LHP pitching this is the best fit for the Diamondbacks.
Flores is a low risk move for the Diamondbacks. He’s a great clubhouse guy, and he should be a quality role player for the Diamondbacks in 2019
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