Mets 2018 Offseason Free Agent Candidate: Lonnie Chisenhall

This winter, the New York Mets need to look at players who can add depth to their roster. Free agent Lonnie Chisenhall is one name they must consider.

Anyone familiar with the way the New York Mets do business will tell you the likelihood of seeing a big name player join the roster this offseason is slim. Rather than pursue the best players, this is an organization that settles for the second-tier. Sometimes, they even go down to the third.

There is still an abundance of quality players at this level. After the Bryce Harper and Manny Machado players in the free agent pool, there are guys like Lonnie Chisenhall prepared to join a new team and make an impact.

As an experienced third baseman turned corner outfielder, Chisenhall would give the Mets a little more depth. I don’t like that he hits left-handed as the team already has enough candidates in 2019 to knock righties around. However, with no obvious backup plan at third base beyond Todd Frazier, there’s a spot for him.

More from Rising Apple

• NY Mets News: Marcus Stroman sees “potential fit” with the Angels
• NY Mets were too “seek” and not enough “destroy” last winter
• NY Mets: 1 trade target to consider from each 100-loss team
• NY Mets: Top 12 free agents the team should look to sign this winter
• NY Mets: Jeff Wilpon’s legacy continues to plague the Amazins

Chisenhall has always been more of a utility player than a one-position man. Even though the Cleveland Indians have used him most regularly as the everyday right fielder, he’s capable of moving around the field.

Health is a danger with all free agents and Chisenhall is no exception. He played in only 29 games this past season due to injury. This may devalue him a little on the free agent market, possibly giving the Mets a better opportunity to strike.

At his best, Chisenhall hits for a good average and finds ways to get on base. His power is limited yet the benefits of a possible .340 OBP far outweigh this factor. It’s hard to know for sure how much of his success in Cleveland was due to a playoff lineup around him. If he leaves the Indians, we’ll know a little better in 2019.

Chisenhall is an unlikely signee for the Mets because of his handedness. I would think another move would need to take place in order for them to have an obvious need. If Jay Bruce is somehow traded, maybe then the possibility of seeing Chisenhall grows.

Until then, Chisenhall is an outside option for the Mets. And a very good one at that.

Want your voice heard? Join the Rising Apple team!

Write for us!

Likely, if we do see Chisenhall in the Big Apple, it’s as a member of the New York Yankees.