NY Mets Free Agents: Where each will sign and for how much

Jonathan Villar signs a two-year $13 million-dollar deal with the Rockies

If you told me Jonathan Villar would play the third-most games and hit the third-most home runs on the 2021 Mets I would’ve called you crazy. Somehow, Jonathan Villar did just that.

A guy who was not supposed to be a full-time starter at all played in 142 games (117 starts) and his 18 home runs were third on the team.

Villar was a signing I liked because I thought he’d be a good bench bat and spot starter when needed. Due to all of the injuries the Mets suffered, Villar was an essential part of this team.

Villar had a really solid year for the Mets. He slashed .249/.322/.412 with 18 home runs and 42 RBI. When the Mets offense was at its best for a very short period of time Villar was the leadoff hitter with Brandon Nimmo hitting second. It seemed like those two were getting on base every single at-bat.

Villar was rock solid at the plate and wasn’t as bad as J.D. Davis is at third base. He added a speed element as well even though his baserunning was absolutely putrid.

I would love for the Mets to re-sign Villar in the same role they intended him to be in this past season. He could be a utility infielder who the Mets know would be able to step in and play second base, third base, and even shortstop if really necessary.

While they definitely have the funds to pay Villar more than other teams who would want Villar in that role, I believe teams will offer Villar a contract to play every day. While he was solid in this role for the Mets, they need to do better.

He would be a great stop-gap for a team waiting for a top prospect to take his spot in a year or two. I have him going to the Rockies but I’m sure a lot of the rebuilding teams will check-in and make an offer.

If Villar only wants to win and doesn’t care about playing every day, I believe the Mets should absolutely sign him. But if he wants to play every day, they absolutely should not do that.