Mets Rumors: Mike Moustakas is the latest poor fit they’ve considered

Recent New York Mets rumors have pointed at the team possibility considering free agent Mike Moustakas. He’s the latest odd fit they’ve been linked to this winter.

We’ve seen some interesting New York Mets rumors this offseason. While interest in Nelson Cruz turned out to be a typo by Jon Heyman, nobody has rushed to correct the report that the Mets have checked in on free agent Mike Moustakas.

The veteran third baseman would have been a wonderful fit for the team last year. Also a free agent then, Moustakas was one of many talented big leaguers to settle on one-year deals. He returned to the Kansas City Royals before finishing up with the Milwaukee Brewers after a trade at the deadline.

According to Mike Puma of the NY Post, new Mets rumors say he is a potential target of theirs this winter.

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When the Mets were searching for a new third baseman last year, they decided to go with Todd Frazier over Moustakas. The thought made sense. Frazier has a reputation as an ironman. That label no longer exists as he missed dozens of games for the Mets in his first year. Clearly, Moustakas would have been the better buy.

Now, the same isn’t true. Moustakas would be yet another left-handed bat in a lineup desperately seeking another righty. Frazier is one of the few right-handed sticks guaranteed to make the MLB roster barring a trade.

Several factors point toward these Mets rumors about Moustakas being nothing more than light whispers ready to fade out quickly. As a Scott Boras client, the odds of him signing with the Mets are already slim.

It’s also hard to believe the Mets make their next investment in a guy who should play every day at a position they’re already getting crowded at. Moustakas could play third base or first base where we expect to see lots of Frazier, Jeff McNeil, and Peter Alonso. One more chef in this kitchen could be a problem.

Moustakas, while powerful, is also a guy who consistently struggles to reach base. He carries with him a career .307 OBP. During his most recent productive seasons, he finished at .314 and .315 respectively.

The Mets do not need another guy who struggles to get on base.

Something Moustakas does do well is avoid strike outs. He averages just 101 per 162 games, which I believe many teams would find tempting. For a guy with 30-home run potential who just turned 30, it’s a great note to put near the top of the resume.

Unfortunately for those hoping to see “Moose” play in Flushing next year, you’ll have to wait until he visits in another uniform.

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These Mets rumors don’t have much traction. With an obvious hole in center field and a bullpen lacking another arm or two, the priorities will go back to where they belong away from Moustakas.