Mets Rumors: Interest in free agent A.J. Pollock is a good thing

 .J. Pollock is a free agent and recent New York Mets rumors suggest they could sign him. If they did, it would be a very good day.

With what feels like fresh New York Mets rumors popping up daily, it’s no surprise to hear them linked to free agent outfielders. A.J. Pollock is the latest name to appear in these Mets rumors. It makes sense with their desperate need for a right-handed bat and someone who can play in center field.

This signing would not come cheap, as he is reportedly seeking a deal such as Dexter Fowler or Lorenzo Cain received in the last two offseasons, respectively. Such an offer would likely last for five years and cost at least $80 Million, thus leaving a resultantly hefty average salary of a $16 Million per year.

Pollock has quite a lengthy resume of injuries during his career, as well. Given the Mets’ recent past, in regards to players coming down with a vast assortment of injuries, the organization brass might very well proceed in a tentative manner. Many have come to argue that the oft-injured outfielder has been cost his prime by his various injuries.

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The former Diamondback comes with an attached compensatory pick due to his being presented with, and promptly rejecting, a qualifying offer from his former club. This should be of little concern to the newly brazen Mets with an assertive GM at the helm.

They are attempting to construct a contender, out of the ashes of the 2015 team that found their way to the Fall Classic, for the next three seasons. Therefore, conceding something as negligible as a compensatory pick should be of little concern.

After an excellent, All-Star campaign in 2015, in which he received a Gold Glove, Pollock had an assortment of struggles. The 2016 season only lasted twelve games for Pollock, who succumbed to injury. The following two years contained injuries as well, but he was able to last over one hundred games in both.

Each season he proved to be very productive, posting 35 home runs and 33 stolen bases, with a minimal amount of strikeouts, and a rather high combined slugging percentage of nearly .480. This will be just what the Mets need in the top half of the lineup and more importantly in center field.

The central outfield slot has been lacking since the departure of Curtis Granderson, who himself was playing out of position there. Gold Glove potential is also something that will greatly benefit the corner outfielders as well. Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo would be more comfortable in their natural positions on the corners.

The fact there is just not much else to be offered in the center fielder market is what makes this contract very appealing. Perhaps, it would be an overpay, but otherwise, Mets fans would endure another season of Conforto and or Nimmo playing out of position.

If the Mets only have room for one large contract and want to spend it on another reliever, that would be a smart move as well. Yet, the value plays in this outfield market just do not exist, at least at the same value that can be found in the relief market.

A possible LHP reliever signing off of this potential Pollock deal would be Jake Diekmann, who is a crafty pitcher that can adequately replace the likes of Jerry Blevins. Then adding a legitimate 8th inning man would allow the Mets to tout a triumvirate at the back end of their bullpen.

A trade would be costly directly after the Mets surrendered a heap of prospects – Gerson Bautista, Justin Dunn, and Jarred Kelenic – in the Robinson Cano/ Edwin Diaz deal. It is unlikely the front office would be willing to give away more prospects in a deal for an outfielder.

This is where the Mets gain an advantage in going through with this proposed deal. By only giving up money, as opposed to prospects, the Mets allow themselves to go for it now, as well as in the future.

A move such as this, however expensive, is a smart one because the Mets would add a much needed right-handed bat at a position in which they are shallow.

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The productive bat and glove of Pollock are convincing enough to garner the Mets’ interest despite his injury-plagued past. This is one of those Mets rumors they need to make happen.