NY Mets: Grading each of the major moves made last offseason

Albert Almora Jr.

For years the Mets have always seemed to have these one-dimensional center fielders who can’t hit but are great defensively. They’ve had Juan Lagares, Jake Marisnick, Keon Broxton, and many more. This year’s version of that was Albert Almora Jr.

Almora was signed to be the fifth outfielder. He would come into games to play center field so the Mets could put Brandon Nimmo in left.

Nimmo proved that he was more than capable in center so Almora didn’t ever really have a role. While he was never known for his bat, Almora was a disaster at the plate. He slashed .115/.148/.173. His OPS+ was -12.

Almora spent a majority of the season on the Injured List and in AAA. He was Designated for Assignment and outrighted to AAA.

While with the Cubs, Almora was not a good hitter generally, but he was able to hit against lefties. In his career against southpaws he’s slashed .274/.326/.392 with an OPS+ of 108. This season, Almora had just three hits in 21 at-bats against left-handers.

With Kevin Pillar also having a down year, I hope the Mets can find an outfielder or two who can be the fourth outfielder or step into an everyday role in the event of an injury. Almora didn’t prove at all that he is capable of stepping into either of those roles.

Even in AAA he slashed .270/.331/.428 with six home runs and 18 RBI. Those numbers aren’t bad, but he wasn’t tearing the cover off the ball like someone who was deserving to be on a major league roster would be.

Defense first outfielders are great and useful, but they have to be able to do something offensively.

Grade: F

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What grades would you give to these additions last offseason?