New York Mets should consider signing Brian Dozier this winter

If the New York Mets go hunting for a big name second baseman this offseason, Brian Dozier is someone they should take a serious look at.

The New York Mets will head into the 2018 offseason with a lot of questions. One of them being, who will start at second base in 2019?

No one knows if Asdrubal Cabrera will finish this season with the team as his name has been linked to some trade rumors. The Mets may employ Jeff McNeil there for the remainder of the season if he is traded. Regardless, one name that the Mets should at least think about for 2018 is Brian Dozier.

Dozier has spent his entire career with the Minnesota Twins and is a free agent this offseason. He is a career .248 hitter with an OBP of .326.

The batting average may not catch your attention but Dozier’s power numbers do. For 5 consecutive seasons, Dozier has hit 30 doubles or more. He is also a home run threat as he has hit as many as 42 in a season back in 2016.

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The 2016 season was a great year for Dozier as he hit for an average of .268, along with a total of 99 RBI. He followed it up with a strong 2017 season as he hit 34 home runs and drove in 93 RBI.

His veteran leadership is a good quality as he’s been on some rebuilding teams for Minnesota. But what really stands out is what he’s been able to do at his home ballpark.

Target Field is a very large stadium, similar to the spacious Citi Field. Yet Dozier’s power numbers do not seem to falter.

During his 42 home run season, Dozier split it evenly between home games and away games hitting 21 in both. His batting average and OBP was also higher at Target Field than when he was on the road. He even hit 19 doubles at home compared to 16 on the road.

There are some cons that may come along with signing the second baseman. He will be 32 years old when he hits the free agent market, so age will be a factor. What will also be a factor is how many teams will want his services.

Dozier’s name is being passed around a lot with the trade deadline looming. With so many teams needing him and wanting him, can the Mets outbid the other handful of teams?

Of course, with the Mets, one has to wonder will they actually be willing to spend money. Can they prove that they will be a strong contender in 2019 to attract free agents like Dozier?

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The Mets may not be a lock to land him, but there’s no reason why they shouldn’t take a look at him.