Analyzing the Mets’ external options at shortstop

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Sep 16, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Chris Owings (16) leads off of third base with a triple against the San Francisco Giants in the sixth inning at Chase Field. The Giants won the game 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

(Note: Now that Didi Gregorius has been traded, I would guess there is a much slimmer chance of obtaining Owings. However, I still wanted to keep his profile up just in case something does happen.)

Not only is Owings a better hitter than Gregorius (.266/.309/.403 in 111 big league games), he’s a better fielder as well (7.4 UZR/150 last season). Throw in the fact he’s two years younger and you have a shortstop worth giving something up for.

As our own Danny Abriano wrote in the FanSided Faux Winter Meetings, a Montero-Plawecki for Owings deal made sense for both sides – at least before Gregorius was traded to the Yankees. For New York, the Mets would’ve been receiving a young, two-way shortstop under team control until 2020. In return, Arizona would’ve received a young pitcher who is ready for the big leagues and a catcher who can really hit and is just about ready for the show.

Like Addison Russell, Owings is a player I would love to see in blue and orange.