Mets Rumors: Veteran utility man Marwin Gonzalez is a target

The latest round of New York Mets rumors links the team to a veteran player who has carved out a role as a utility player. With Andres Gimenez traded to the Cleveland Indians for Francisco Lindor, the team created a need for an infielder who could play multiple positions around the diamond.

According to Anthony DiComo, the Mets are considering signing former Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins utility player Marwin Gonzalez to round out their 25-man roster. Gonzalez, 31, is coming off a down 2020 season in which he batted .211/.288/.320 with five home runs and 22 RBI.

However, in 2019, Gonzalez posted a solid offensive year, compiling a .264/.322/.414 batting line with 15 home runs and 55 RBI. Considering that he will be entering his age-32 season, there is reasonable optimism that Gonzalez can rebound from his poor 2020 year, especially under the circumstances that the season took place in.

Former Twins utility player Marwin Gonzalez may be reaching the end of his prime, but he offers the Mets lineup flexibility and extensive experience at the hot corner and six other positions.

If the latest Mets rumors come true and he is signed, Gonzalez would be expected to see most of his playing time at third base. Although J.D. Davis had outplayed expectations when the Mets initially traded for him, his defensive limitations are well-noted. Gonzalez, on the other hand, has posted either average or slightly above-average defensive numbers at first, second, and third base, as well as in left and right field.

Besides potentially serving as a potential platoon partner for Davis at third base, Gonzalez offers the Mets a capable glove and bat at six other positions. In his career, Gonzalez has played all three outfield positions and all four infield positions. With the Twins, Gonzalez mostly split his time between the hot corner and second base, although he occasionally started in the Twins outfield and at first base.

Gonzalez’s versatility extends to his offense as well. Profiling as a switch hitter, Gonzalez would also be valuable in a late-inning pinch hitter role. Even without the universal designated hitter in 2021, Gonzalez will have a defined role on the Mets this season and a clear pathway to playing time, albeit not as a regular barring an injury.

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If the Mets want to acquire Gonzalez, they will have to beat out several teams for his services. According to the latest Mets rumors, the rival Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox are also interested in his services. Signing Gonzalez would not be a huge signing for the Mets, but his versatility is unmatched by anyone in the league and he is a good candidate to have a bounceback season who could be had for a cheap one-year deal.