NY Mets: Five most valuable minor league deals this offseason

BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 11: New York Mets players watch from the dugout during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Sahlen Field on September 11, 2020 in Buffalo, United States. Mets beat the Blue Jays 18 to 1. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 11: New York Mets players watch from the dugout during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Sahlen Field on September 11, 2020 in Buffalo, United States. Mets beat the Blue Jays 18 to 1. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 05: Jose Peraza #3 of the Boston Red Sox enters the game as a pinch-runner for J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox in the bottom of the ninth inning of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on September 05, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

Mets minor league deal #2: Jose Peraza

Peraza is someone who the Mets feel can help their infield depth. He is also someone who is not too far removed from having success at the major league level. Known for his bat-to-ball skills and speed, Peraza is most recognized for his time with the Cincinnati Reds. His best season with the team was in 2018 when he compiled a .288/.326/.416 batting line with 14 home runs.

As I have written in a previous article, Peraza has two aspects to his game that he needs to fix. First, he needs to find a way to generate more power. Although middle infielders generally are not power hitters, the game has evolved to a point where all major league hitters are now expected to generate some power.

Second, Peraza also needs to improve his infield defense. Considering that his hope for playing time runs through Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, Peraza has to show that he could handle shortstop and other infield positions defensively. In his best season, Peraza posted the worst fielding percentage of all major leaguers (.963). In 2020, he posted -1 DRS in the infield and a -2 DRS in the outfield.

However, despite Peraza’s flaws, the Mets made a smart minor league deal with him here. He’s only 26, which means that he is too young to give up on, and he has a proven record of being a solid infielder at the big league level. Peraza’s issues can be fixed, and the Mets, by taking a chance on him, believe that he can rediscover his form. Even if Peraza gets close to replicating his 2018 year, Peraza could serve as a key utility bench player if the Mets suffer injuries to their starting infielders.