New York Mets: Top 10 outfielders to consider adding this winter

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 18: New York Mets target, Yasiel Puig #66 of the Cleveland Indians celebrates after hitting a walk-off RBI single to deep right during the tenth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on September 18, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Tigers 2-1 in ten innings. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Whether by free agency or a trade, these are the ten outfielders the New York Mets should consider adding this winter. I’ve ranked them from ten down to one.

The New York Mets enter the 2019-2020 season with an interesting roster dilemma. Fans and analysts agree that the team needs to upgrade their offense in order to legitimately compete next season. However, they also have so many utility players that every lineup spot feels crowded.

If the team seriously intends to add another bat to their lineup, I believe the outfield is the place to do so. This is especially true if that bat comes in the form of a natural center fielder. This would allow Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo to resume their position as corner outfielders, with Jeff McNeil playing as an everyday infielder.

There are also legitimate concerns that Yoenis Cespedes’ season (and possibly Mets career) could be finished, leaving room for McNeil and J.D. Davis to sub into the outfield as needed. Adding a legitimate center fielder would tremendously benefit a poor defensive lineup.

However they go about it, these are the ten players the Mets should consider ranked from ten down to one.

The Cheap Free Agents

10. Yasiel Puig, Free Agent

Yasiel Puig seems to have fallen far from his prominence as a breakout player with the Dodgers. The former star feels like an afterthought despite positing a solid 24 homers and .267 average with the Reds and Indians last season.

While his bat certainly has the potential to be dangerous, Puig’s distinction as a right fielder would only further complicate the lineup card.

9. Brett Gardner, Free Agent

The good news is that Brett Gardner is capable of playing efficient centerfield at the MLB level (98 starts at the position in 2018). He is also coming off a season in which he hit a career-high 28 homers and a .251 batting average.

The bad news, however, is that he is 36 years old. While he is still a productive player, he would only be a temporary fix for a position that needs a long-term solution. Signing a player of his age would also carry injury concerns.

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 15: Harrison Bader #48 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on prior to playing against the Washington Nationals in Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Nationals Park on October 15, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

The One-Dimensional Trade Candidates

8. Harrison Bader, Trade

Harrison Bader is the first of a group of players that fit only one of the Mets’ needs. After starting 74 games at CF in 2018, Bader took command of the role by making all 122 of his starts at the position. During his short career, he has recorded a stellar .984 fielding percentage as a centerfielder. He is also only 25 years old.

However, Bader has some of the same concerns that plagued Luan Lagares during his run in New York. His bat is relatively quiet for an everyday player. In 406 plate appearances, Bader posted a career-low .205 average last season. The Mets would have to have reason to believe that Bader would be able to improve as a hitter in order to make this trade.

7. Delino DeShields Jr., Trade

Delino DeShields Jr. is essentially a slightly different version of Bader. The 27-year-old started 112 games for the Rangers and finished the season with a .981 fielding percentage. He also posted a healthy .249 average with 24 stolen bases last season. In fact, he has finished four of his five professional seasons with 20+ steals.

6. Wil Myers, Trade

Wil Myers is an interesting case study. The former Rookie of the Year and All-Star was once considered to be a “can’t miss prospect.” However, after several pedestrian seasons, trade speculation has surrounded the outfielder.

A prolonged slump caused Myers batting average drop to .239 last season. However, he still hit 18 homers and stole 16 bases.

However, Myers defensive potential feels eerily similar to Conforto and Nimmo. While he is capable of playing CF at the MLB level (66 starts is 2019), he is a natural corner outfielder. His inconsistent bat and lack of experience as an everyday CF make him a risky, but intriguing option.

5. Jackie Bradley Jr., Trade

Jackie Bradley Jr. is an upgraded version of Bader and DeShields. He has played nearly his entire career in center field. He is also the first player on this list to win a Gold Glove award at the position. The 29 year old would immediately make the Mets a vastly better defensive team.

However, the fact that he is reported available is based on his liability as a hitter. While the “juiced-ball” season helped him blast 21 homer runs last season, he finished the year with a meager .225 average.

JBJ is the Mets’ best option if they decide against spending serious money or assets to address their need at CF.

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 14: Marcell Ozuna #23 of the St. Louis Cardinals attempts to make the catch on an RBI double by Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals in the third inning of game three of the National League Championship Series at Nationals Park on October 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The Stars

4. Marcell Ozuna, Free Agent

Marcell Ozuna is widely considered to be one of the more dangerous power hitters in baseball. The two-time All-Star’s bat would immediately make the Mets one of the best home run hitting teams in the sport.

Despite struggling with injuries, Ozuna finished last season with a .241 average and 29 homers. His career best season in 2017 saw him blast 37 homers and 124 RBI as a member of the Miami Marlins.

On the downside, Ozuna has a history of injuries. There are also reports that he could command a contract as high as $160 million over seven years. While he is past the point in his career where he can fulfill the role of a long-term centerfielder, Ozuna’s potential as a hitter is enough to consider a deal.

3. Mookie Betts, Trade

A trade acquiring former MVP Mookie Betts would help the Mets ascend into the top tier of World Series contenders. However, he ranks third on this list due to the treasure chest of players the team would have to sacrifice in order to acquire him. Make no mistake, Betts is an absolute superstar. Even during a “down” 2019 season he still posted 29 homers with 16 steals and a .295 average.

SNY has speculated that a potential deal for Betts would require parting ways with Brandon Nimmo, Steven Matz, and two of the Mets three top prospects (Ronny Mauricio, Andres Gimenez and Brett Baty).

Considering how much the Mets have already traded away in their pursuit of winning, a trade for Betts would mortgage the team’s future for many years to come.

2. Charlie Blackmon, Trade

Here’s a name that hasn’t been thrown around very much! Depending on the asking price, he may be worth acquiring this offseason.

Charlie Blackmon is 33 years old. He also transitioned to a full-time spot in right field after playing primarily center field throughout his career. While there are a few red flags, there is also reason to believe that the asking price could be affordable.

Despite defensive concerns, Blackmon remains an elite hitter. He finished 2019 with a .314 average and 32 homers. He is also a career .304 hitter with an average of 26 home runs per season.

If the price is right, Blackmon could be the perfect complement to Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil.

1. Starling Marte, Trade

Starling Marte is the only name on this list that checks every box. He isn’t too old to be a long-term option (31 years old). He is an All-Star caliber hitter with a multi-time Gold Glove-winning defensive ability. He is also a career center fielder who won’t require nearly as high an asking price as a player like Betts.

Mets would thrive adding a player who hit .295 with 23 homer and 25 steals to their roster. While there is some concern about whether or not the Mets have the necessary pieces to swing a deal, the team should consider any possible avenue to make this trade happen.

Next. Three blockbuster trade ideas for the Mets

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