NY Mets offseason grades for the major winter transactions

Mar 1, 2021; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) returns to the dugout against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2021; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) returns to the dugout against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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Mets
Feb 26, 2020; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Khalil Lee (24) singles in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Mets acquire Khalil Lee

When I saw the Mets were involved in the Andrew Benintendi trade, I was hoping they would just dump one of Jeurys Familia or Dellin Betances to Boston, but I will gladly take the outcome that occurred. The Mets sent Josh Winckowski, the player they acquired in the Steven Matz trade, to Boston along with a player to be named later and received outfielder Khalil Lee from the Royals.

The 22-year-old Lee is the seventh-ranked prospect in the Mets system and they got him for pretty much nothing. I am ecstatic. For a farm system that is not very good, Lee is a very good pickup.

Furthermore, the Mets had been starving for outfield depth. After seeing guys like Guillermo Heredia, Billy Hamilton, and Ryan Cordell last season, it is a welcome sight to have a guy like Khalil Lee waiting in the wings.

While he might not be ready immediately, he should be ready pretty soon. In 2019 Lee slashed .264/.363/.372 with eight home runs and 51 RBI. His best tool is his speed and that can be seen from his 53 stolen bases that season. Lee is a guy that gets on base and can be a leadoff hitter in this league.

The 154 strikeouts are a little high, but if he can work more on putting the ball in play I think he will be ready. He has struck out a lot from what I’ve seen during the spring as well.

Other than Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Mets fifth-ranked prospect, their outfield prospect depth is razor-thin. Lee is a big boost for that and he was acquired for virtually nothing. This move doesn’t get talked about enough and it should.

Grade: A+

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