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

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 25: Andres Gimenez #60 of the New York Mets defends at second base against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on July 25, 2020 in New York City. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Braves defeated the Mets 5-3 in ten innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Starting Second Baseman

How can the Mets pull this one off? We all know Cano isn’t going anywhere unless retirement comes calling early for him. There is one way Gimenez can become the starting second baseman for this club rather easily.

We still don’t know for sure what the rules for the 2021 season will look like. If the DH does stick around, we could see Cano slide into that role. It feels too right, especially if he’s able to hit well.

Not only does this upgrade the infield defense, but it also allows Cano the chance to stay a little healthier by eliminating those innings in the field. I think a problem Cano had in 2019 was how much he played. He’s getting older and keeping him well-rested is essential to his success.

Gimenez could simply slide into the starting second base gig and allow Cano to become what many stars do later in their career: a designated hitter.

This move requires the least amount of maneuvering with the roster. It doesn’t exactly solve a few other minor dilemmas for the team such as where Dominic Smith fits into their plans.

Gimenez doesn’t have to become a 162-game starter for the Mets next year. He can, however, become the primary choice to start at second base as they slowly ease Cano into an offense-only player.

In the short time we’ve seen Gimenez in the big leagues we have gotten the opportunity to see what a talented fielder he is. I don’t want to waste that on only one or two innings a night. If his bat is even slightly competent, it’s worth giving a try.

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