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

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.

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.

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After all, if there is any General Manager in baseball creative enough to figure out a trade, it’s Brodie Van Wagenen.