Mets: Five ways Andres Gimenez can fit into the team’s future plans

How will Andres Gimenez fit in with the New York Mets next season and beyond?

Andres Gimenez is now a name every New York Mets fan knows. The rookie infielder is getting a lot of playing time in 2020, but there is a minor hiccup in the near future. Where does he play?

It’s a good problem to have—in a way. If Gimenez really is big league ready and capable of playing every day, the Mets will have a tough time finding him at-bats next year. Injuries will always occur and because of his defensive skills, there’s room for him to get playing time that way.

However, it’s not ideal. You should never root for a starter to get hurt just so someone else can step in and take over.

There’s little doubt Gimenez has some sort of future in the big leagues. Exactly how can the Mets use him?

Utility Role

The easiest way to get Gimenez regular playing time is to keep in the current role as a utility infielder. Move him around the diamond. Let him start at second base, shortstop, and third base once a week. Three starts at three different positions should be more than enough to get him in the lineup and let other rest.

So far in his big league career, Gimenez has been used more as a defensive replacement than anything else. Before Robinson Cano landed on the IL, he was the veteran second baseman’s late-inning substitute. Injuries to Cano and other infielders have led to a few more starts for Gimenez.

In 2021, this seems like the most likely role for Gimenez. He’ll get his at-bats while continuing to grow as a major league player.