1 free agent bat that makes the most sense for the Mets
The New York Mets I believe are at least one bat short of completing one of the best offseasons in team history. However, we've reached the point in free agency where the pickings are slim and the players that are remaining each come with their own set of flaws that are slightly magnified.
Unless General Manager Billy Eppler is looking to explore the trade market, there is one bat that is currently on the free agent market right now that would make a ton of sense for the Mets in outfielder Adam Duvall. Surprisingly Duvall is still hanging around which I believe has more to do with him coming off an injury-shortened campaign in 2022, while similar players such as Trey Mancini, Andrew McCutchen, AJ Pollock, and Adam Engel have all found homes recently.
The Mets should explore a deal with free agent Adam Duvall to reinforce their current outfield core
Duvall's market is now beginning to heat up with many of the previously mentioned names already off the board. The Boston Red Sox have recently shown public interest in signing Duvall according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, and I would assume it's just a matter of a couple of days before the 34-year-old Duvall finds a home.
The Mets could certainly use a fourth outfielder who would also make sense as part of a platoon out of the designated hitter position with Daniel Vogelbach, which is where I believe Duvall fits into this equation. In his injury-shortened 2022 season due to a torn wrist tendon with the Atlanta Braves, Duvall had hit 12 home runs to go along with 36 RBIs and 16 doubles in 86 games.
It's important not to forget that despite the numbers last season, Duvall is a Gold Glove Award-winning outfielder that has the ability to hit 30 home runs when healthy. The Mets could certainly use another power threat off the bench or a defensive player with Duvall's capabilities as a late-inning defensive replacement, which would shore up one of the last remaining holes on the present roster.