Mets Offseason Needs: Three lesser-talked about upgrades for the Amazins

Don’t overlook the lesser-talked about upgrades the New York Mets will need to explore this winter.

This offseason could turn out to be epic for the New York Mets. As with every winter, fans will cling to the hope that they can add some star talent to the roster. We know some of their obvious upgrades, such as catcher and starting pitching, but what about those lesser needs?

The Mets may be able to find the answer in their minor league system for some of these lesser-talked about upgrades. However, with so few top prospects near MLB ready, they would need some luck to make it happen.

When winter rolls around, a lot of focus will go toward the stars available in free agency and trades. Meanwhile, the team may go ahead and look to upgrade some smaller niche roles including these three.

Mets Need An Awesome Defensive Outfielder

Juan Lagares, Jake Marisnick, and Billy Hamilton all spent some time with the Mets in 2020. We can classify each as an awesome defensive outfielder. In the winter before 2021, the Mets may need to find a new man to fill this void.

Marisnick is the best of these three at the moment, but also headed toward free agency and possibly a platoon gig in the not-so-distant future. Although the Mets can go out and add a true center fielder (sorry, Brandon Nimmo!) I think it’s far more likely they go a similar route with the Marisnick addition.

This isn’t just to cover center field. It’s good to have a first-rate defender on your bench regardless of how your starters look.

Regardless of the lineup, the Mets put on the field in 2021, it looks as if left field will be lacking defense. The top candidates to play the position are J.D. Davis, Jeff McNeil, and Dominic Smith. All have their limitations so it would be much wiser to ensure there’s a really good defender alongside them or to replace Nimmo in center field and allow the happiest man in baseball to shift over one spot.

It’s not an exciting move to make but it’s a necessary one on the offseason checklist.

Mets Need A Lefty Bullpen Stud

The best thing about 2020 has been how the bullpen has performed. It hasn’t been legendarily awesome yet it seems to feel that way based on how the last three years have gone.

The Mets have multiple members of their relief corps headed to free agency. My guess is we will also see at least one dig his heels in and become a starter in 2021. Here’s looking at you, Seth Lugo.

Something the roster will need this offseason is a left-handed reliever. Justin Wilson is a free agent after 2020. His performance and age suggest it’s time to part ways and thank him for his services. Chasen Shreve is a candidate to return, but I feel as if the Mets need a little more than faith in him.

Fortunately, with the three-batter minimum rule the era of the lefty-specialist is not much of a concern anymore. Even if those drove Jerry Blevins out of the league, it’s one less worry for roster building because you need your relievers to get everyone out not just the fellow customers you spot at Ned Flanders’ Leftorium.

Unlike past years when it’s important to look at the splits, the Mets need to simply find a good left-handed thrower for their bullpen. They may already have him here. It all depends on what they plan to do with Steven Matz. Clearly on the outskirts of the starting rotation, could Matz’s final year with the team involve a rebrand?

I believe we’ll talk a lot more about the Mets’ bullpen needs once the season actually ends. Until then, let’s hope for the best with what they already have.