NY Mets News: Johneshwy Fargas makes an early case for the fifth outfielder job

Before landing on the IL, Albert Almora was struggling mightily at the plate for the New York Mets. This wasn’t due to any lingering ailment as far as we know. His injury came suddenly after crashing into the wall in an attempt to make a spectacular catch.

Almora’s job never felt safe because of the other options the franchise had knocking on the door. Khalil Lee looked like a prospect that could steal the job while Jose Martinez was the more experienced bat in competition with him.

Things have changed a lot. Now, the man most likely to take away Almora’s spot on the roster is the very-so-exciting Johneshwy Fargas.

Johneshwy Fargas is hitting which means the Mets may have a fantastic weapon on their bench

Since his promotion to the show, Fargas has seen action in center field. He hasn’t just filled in either. He has looked fantastic with the glove at times. Thanks in part to his incredible speed, Fargas has looked beyond ready for major league action.

When the Mets first got him, we saw flashes of what he could do in spring training of 2020. I chose the word flashes very specifically. The man can flat out fly.

Through his first five major league games this year, we have yet to see Fargas steal a base. With several seasons in the minors that ended with 40+ swiped bags, there’s no question one is coming very soon.

Instead of winning with his speed, Fargas is contributing with his bat. He is 5 for his first 17 with a pair of doubles and a triple. I don’t want to turn this into a James McCann bashing session but the man formerly known as the team’s starting catcher only has two extra-base hits all year compared to Fargas’ trio.

Why Johneshwy Fargas might be a better option than Albert Almora

Almora has a great glove and one could argue he’s the better defender. But is he much better?

As a fifth outfielder, I don’t need to see one fantastic tool until the postseason when you need fewer starting pitchers and can stash a single-tool player on the bench to steal a base. I would sacrifice a little bit of defense if it means you can get a little more offensive production from a guy.

Certainly too early to jump toward any conclusion with Fargas and a possible role he could have with the Mets for the foreseeable future, that minor league option Almora has is looking real pretty as this continues.

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Some ballplayers bloom later than others and maybe this year is Fargas’ chance to turn all sorts of colors. Built differently from so many other players we have seen suit up for this team, if he can remain one of the club’s hottest bats, there’s little doubt how much the team could use him.