The Mets should avoid Alex Verdugo
The Mets like their buy low candidates. Alex Verdugo would be one who conceivably matches. A rough season in the Bronx for the New York Yankees after several productive years prior should have the Mets letting Verdugo rebuild his free agent stock elsewhere.
A light .233/.291/.356 slash line for a team where lefties got to feast 81 times a year, Verdugo is too light of a hitting corner outfielder for what the Mets seemed to be seeking when they chased after Hernandez. His 13 home runs last year tied a personal high he matched twice before. With 74 RBI as his high in any single year, he’s not the prolific hitter the Mets were seeking with their offer to Hernandez.
A very good defensive player for much of his career and one who avoids strikeouts, Verdugo doesn’t quite vibe with what the Mets could really use. The team already has Jose Siri and Tyrone Taylor to provide them with superior defensive innings, particularly late in games. What role could Verdugo possibly have?
We can pass on the thought of Verdugo even at a discounted rate. Santander is an exciting potential addition. Profar is a practical albeit imperfect one. Verdugo is a guy our Yankees fan neighbors kindly warned us about months ago.