5 best Mets options at third base for next season ranked

Third base was a very clear weak spot for the New York Mets in the 2023 season. Mets third basemen ranked 28th in the majors with a .212 batting average, 24th with 14 home runs, 29th with a 64 WRC+, and 30th with -1.3 fWAR. Yes, Mets third basemen accumulated fewer WAR than teams like Oakland and Kansas City.

The Mets began the year with Eduardo Escobar as the team's starter, but some early-season struggles from him forced him into the shortside of a platoon role at the hot corner. The player they promoted to play most of the time at third base was Brett Baty who had just a .598 OPS in 108 games with the Mets this season.

The Mets ended the year with Ronny Mauricio seeing time at third base. He was the best of the bunch, but that's not saying much. Third base is going to have to be improved in 2024 if the Mets have any hopes of competing. As much as we'd love for the Mets to land Rafael Devers or Nolan Arenado we have to be realistic. These are their top-five options at third base for next season going from worst to best.

5) Gio Urshela

This free agency class for hitters is especially weak for position players, and that includes third basemen. There are some decent players available, but not any game changers. Gio Urshela isn't anything special, but he'd be far from the worst third baseman in baseball which is pretty much where the Mets were in 2023.

Most Mets fans remember Urshela from his days with the Yankees where he'd develop from a reserve to bonafide every day player. Urshela has always been more known for his glove, but his bat broke out with the Yankees and has remained steady even after leaving.

Urshela had a strong season in 2022 with the Twins and had gotten off to a good start with the Angels in a bit of a utility role this past season before seeing his season end in mid-June with a fractured pelvis.

If the Mets sign Urshela, they'd be adding a player who can hit around .280 and reach double digits in home runs. He'd slot in nicely at the bottom of the lineup and provide above-average defense at the hot corner. He's nothing special, but not everyone from top to bottom has to be an all-star.