NY Mets: 3 players who have won bigger big league roles next season

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NEW YORK, NY – JULY 28: Brandon Drury #35 of the New York Mets hits a home run during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on July 28, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Will these three New York Mets players return in 2022? I’m not so certain. All have played exceptionally well in 2021 with the team to the point where these part-time players with no guaranteed contracts next year could find themselves on another club in a bigger role.

We’ve seen a lot of great bench mob moments in 2021. The birth of this new group of secondary stars, we may have to enjoy the best they can offer before the season is through.

Because players are always looking for the best contract, amount of playing time, and overall situation for themselves, these three Mets may experience glory elsewhere in 2022. However, nothing is set in stone and maybe we can convince at least one of them to return in a more advanced role.

Brandon Drury is the king of the Mets bench mob and a viable bench piece to retain

Brandon Drury joined the Mets this offseason without high expectations. He was coming off of several down seasons after a promising start to his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Still under 30 and wielding possibly the strongest bat of his entire career, I would like to see the Mets invite him back for a full-time role on the club’s bench next season.

He is, after all, my first annual inductee into the Mets Bench Mob Hall of Fame.

It’s very possible my dreams will come true. Drury is still arbitration-eligible. Tendering him a deal could make sense with the potential loss of a couple of other members of the roster. His ability to play multiple positions makes him intriguing for sure. Both an infielder and outfielder, there are a lot of ways to use this veteran back on the rise again.

Moneywise, it isn’t a pain at all to keep Drury. He’ll make a modest amount.

The one factor I could see leading to his departure from the Mets is a desire to seek out even more playing time. I don’t foresee the Mets using him as more than a bench player. As wonderful as he has been, he is a long way from even getting into a full-time platoon situation.

I’ll welcome Drury back with open arms next year. Until we know for sure what lies ahead for him, I’m going to enjoy every pinch-hit at-bat he gives us.

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