Mets: Could signing Adam Jones be the next big, bold move?

The New York Mets seem ready to remain aggressive this offseason. Could they possibly pursue free agent Adam Jones as their next big, bold move?

After a seven-player blockbuster deal that sent Robinson Cano, and Edwin Diaz to the New York Mets for Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, and three prospects, new GM Brodie Van Wagenen has made his statement to the franchise. After his first major splash as general manager, it is widely speculated that there could be more to come and that this will be far from a quiet offseason for the Metropolitans.

During the press conference, Van Wagenen declared,

“The New York Mets and the ownership group, we have a winning mindset, …and collectively, we believe everything is possible and nothing is impossible. It is that conviction that led us to this moment.”

Acquiring an elite closer and an impact bat were two musts for this organization. However, if the Mets are serious about winning in 2019, they must address one hole at a time. This trade appears to move budding star Jeff McNeil to third base for the foreseeable future (where he played 161 games in the minor leagues). With Bruce’s woeful contract and underwhelming play out of the equation, this opens up the door for the Mets to sign some outfield depth.

Considering Yoenis Cespedes is far from returning and the duo of Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo are both coming off of injuries (Conforto’s shoulder in 2017), signing a reliable veteran who has proven that he can stay healthy would only benefit the franchise.

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After failing to play in 100 games for the 3rd straight year, it would be foolish to think that Juan Lagares can be trusted with the everyday center fielder job. Plus, Lagares still struggles to hit right-handed pitching.

Signing veteran outfielder Adam Jones would bring many of the same things to the table that the Curtis Granderson signing brought in 2013: a reliable outfield glove capable of playing centerfield, the ability to get on base with added speed (though Jones is less adept to drawing walks than Granderson), a dangerous right-handed bat for the top or middle of the lineup, and veteran leadership.

Jones conducts himself on and off the field with the same class that Granderson brought to the organization years ago. Could they have a repeat of success with him?

Jones is still a very productive player and it would only cost the Mets around a three-year contract worth around the same $16 million per season that they paid Granderson, who ultimately contributed to a 2015 NL Pennant and an appearance in the World Series. Jones earned $17 million with the Baltimore Orioles in 2018.

Despite coming off of a historically bad 47-115 season with Baltimore, he still managed to hit .281 in 580 at bats. While be may have lost a step or two, the 33-year-old accumulated a .988 fielding percentage in centerfield in 2018 while only committing three errors so there should be little concern, if any, or whether the veteran can still patrol center field.

It should also be noted that both him and Cano were represented by CAA, the agency where Van Wagenen was co-head of the baseball division.

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If Brodie is serious about bringing a championship to Queens in 2019, he must consider signing Adam Jones as he could serve as the Curtis Granderson of the 2019 New York Mets.