NY Mets Free Agent Face-Off: Javier Baez versus Kris Bryant

Should the Mets sign Kris Bryant over Javier Baez?

I’ll openly admit that my preference between the two is Bryant. But it’s not such a distant race between the two. Baez brings a lot to the game that Bryant cannot. However, with his ability to play the outfield as well as infield, I think it’s quite clear how badly the Mets could use the 2016 NL MVP on their roster.

Bryant is a natural fit in 2022 as the team’s starting third baseman and possible future left fielder or right fielder. There’s a lot the Mets can do with Bryant on the roster. Potentially, we may see a future Mets lineup with Mark Vientos in left field, Brett Baty at third base, and Bryant patrolling right field.

Not without his flaws, Bryant is probably less likely to hit 30 home runs than Baez but you get the good trade of a higher OBP and maybe even a better batting average. Bryant, for all of the high praise he has received, only has a single season with 100+ RBI. Baez has just as many but his career hasn’t been near as highly-touted as his ex-teammate’s career has been.

The benefit of Bryant over Baez might be the greater immediate need for a third base upgrade. The Mets could conceivably give Jeff McNeil the second base gig and hope he turns things around.

Everything the Mets do or don’t do this winter will have a string of effects. What’s abundantly clear is how badly they need some offensive firepower added to the roster.

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Should this new addition be Baez or Bryant? I can’t see either being a failed signing as long as the rest of the pieces around them can help out, too.