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Analyzing the Mets’ external options at shortstop
Sep 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop
Elvis Andrus(1) connects for a single against the Oakland Athletics during a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, Elvis Andrus is a good shortstop, and most likely would be an upgrade for the Mets. He will be only 26 years old this coming season and has been extremely durable over his six-year career, playing in 914 out of a total 972 ballgames. Though his defensive numbers declined dramatically this past season (-4.4 UZR/150), his average UZR/150 over the three previous season was 7. I’d label 2014 simply a down year defensively more so than Andrus regressing as a fielder.
On the offensive end Andrus is a fairly decent hitter. His best season was in 2012, when he had a .727 OPS, but over the past two seasons his average OPS has been just .653.
With all that in mind, I think the Mets would still be interested in Andrus if, and that’s a big if, his contract wasn’t so absurd. And as far as that contract goes… eek. Still left on the deal are either seven years for $118 million, or eight years for $135 million, depending on the team option. That puts him completely out of the mix for Sandy and the Mets, in my eyes, and I would be extremely surprised if Andrus ever started a game in Flushing other than as a visitor.