3 former Yankees players the NY Mets could target but for only one reason

The New York Mets are collecting former New York Yankees players like it’s the mid-1990s and they’re Beanie Babies. Some of those moves have aged well. Clay Holmes was a success. Frankie Montas, not as much. Maybe it was his time in between the Yankees and Mets that made it a mistake.

What will the Mets get from Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and any other ex-Yankees they may steal? These three weren’t all on the Yankees roster last year but each would bring the same strength to the Mets lineup if they were to sign them.

The Mets struggled against left-handed pitchers last season, ranking 19th with a .236 batting average. The .696 OPS ranked slightly better at 17th in MLB. Jorge Polanco did a good job against left-handed pitchers. These remaining free agents, who just happen to have the Yankees on their resumes as well, can further improve the Mets in this area.

1) Rob Refsnyder

He hasn’t played for the Yankees since 2017, spending the last few years with the Boston Red Sox. A corner outfielder who wouldn’t get the large share of time at any position, Rob Refsnyder might be someone the Mets could utilize in left field and maybe even some first base. He has actually played first base which, in a world where they’ll give Jorge Polanco some opportunities, adds more depth there.

The meat of why any team would want Refsnyder is how he handles left-handed pitchers. Slashing .302/.399/.560 against southpaws in 138 plate appearances last year, he gave himself a major league job again next season.

As currently constructed, there isn’t quite enough room for Refsnyder even with the left field vacancy. The Mets need to subtract a player or two from the MLB roster with Jeff McNeil and Mark Vientos making the most sense. Refsnyder, as a part-time player at the corner spots and off the bench, would give the Mets a veteran presence they didn’t have enough of in a more specialized role. He shouldn’t cost much and with a possible plan to have Carson Benge in left field, there’s a natural platoon that can be grown.