5 right-handed hitters other than Austin Hays who seem to match recent NY Mets rumors

2) Ramon Laureano

Ramon Laureano doesn’t do much for the Mets at first base. A poorly-rated defender last season who saw time at all three outfield positions, he’s a name that has frequently appeared in the offseason Mets-San Diego Padres trade rumors. He put together a career-year at the plate, blasting 24 home runs while slashing .281/.342/.512.

Laureano is not an ideal match for what most fans would like to see in left field. However, with the way things are going with the Mets, it’s not unrealistic. If he’s too brutal as an outfielder he may always become a first base candidate or someone who slides into the DH role a little more regularly. He’s an option to play in center field in a “punt the defense” lineup while bringing a credible bat to the plate.

A contract of $6.5 million for one year is right in line with what Andujar will cost. Rob Refsnyder, another guy in a similar spot, signed with the Seattle Mariners for slightly less. The Padres’ desire to lower payroll helps place Laureano on the trade block. As minimal as his contract may appear to Mets fans, he’s an expense the Padres would probably prefer to swap for a younger, more controllable, and less expensive player.