Mets: Five big free agents Steve Cohen should consider buying next winter

George Springer

After Betts, the next best option for the Mets in center field for a major upgrade via free agency would come in the form of George Springer. The Houston Astros outfielder has had some amazing seasons and it’s not all accredited to the trash cans.

At times lost in the shuffle of an amazing offense, Springer has become a superior power hitter. He smashed 39 home runs in 556 plate appearances in 2019. Springer accomplished this despite missing 40 games!

As far as defense goes, Springer is average for his career. However, his 2019 metrics rate him above average. Whichever version the Mets could get, it’s a win with the way he can handle a bat.

It’s reasonable to believe Springer is headed out of Houston once his contract expires after 2020. He’s going to arbitration this winter and not over small coins. Springer and the Astros were several million dollars off from what they believed a fair deal would look like.

The potential for a fractured relationship could open up more possibilities for Springer to become Cohen’s first big splash.

Springer’s connection to the Mets doesn’t go much further than the previous speculation about how he could get swapped for Noah Syndergaard. Back when it looked like Syndergaard was on his way out via trade, it always seemed like a one-for-one trade involving Springer was mentioned.

Well, perhaps these two could become teammates instead.

Other than money, Springer’s native Connecticut could always lure him closer to home. It’s a long shot, but we’ll have to hope a homecoming could at least become a tie-breaker.