Mets Season in Review: Juan Lagares

Contract status and trade rumors

The Mets are tied to Lagares through 2019. Plus, there’s a club option at $9.5 million for 2020. The remainder of this deal will play out through the rest of Lagares’ 20s (he turns 28 on March 17th). For a plus defender and a guy capable of hitting somewhere in the .280’s, $4.5 million this year is solid value. Of course that number is going to rise the next two years.

However, if Lagares can stay healthy going forward then you know what you’re going to get: above average to elite defense, a hitter somewhere near the upper .200s, and someone who has great range in center and good efficiency as a base stealer when called upon.

It was a frustrating year for Lagares driven mostly by injury, but better days should be ahead in 2017 and beyond if he can stay on the field. I would venture to guess that if Lagares does that, then he’ll have some more Gold Gloves to add to his collection.

As we wind down our player reviews, we hope you have enjoyed reading them. I wish you all a safe and happy New Year!