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

Jonathan Villar

One of the more under-the-radar signings the Mets had was signing Jonathan Villar to a one-year $3.5 million dollar deal. Villar was expected to be a utility infielder who would be able to step in and play every day if injuries occurred or be a good bench bat when the team was healthy.

With all of the injuries the Mets sustained this season, Villar became one of the more important players on the roster and stayed that way for a majority of the season. He slashed .249/.322/.416 with 18 home runs and 42 RBI in 142 games.

The 142 games was third on the Mets and the 18 home runs was also third on the team.

Villar’s season was a strange one. When he was hot, he provided a huge spark for this team. Villar hitting leadoff with Brandon Nimmo batting second was when the Mets lineup really clicked and it’s a shame we only saw that for a short while.

I thought Villar would be more of a threat on the base paths but only went 14/21 in stolen base attempts and got picked off a bunch of times as well.

Villar hit for more power than I expected him to and was a streaky, but good hitter for a lot of the year.

I would say the Mets should bring it back but I assume his season earned him a starting role on some team. The Mets should not bring Villar back to be the everyday third baseman again.

Villar stepped up when the team needed him and provided positive value with his 1.8 WAR.

If he’s willing to come back on a one-year deal as a utility guy I’d be all over it but highly doubt that will happen.

Overall it was a solid season in Queens for Villar.

Grade B+