A reminder of why we liked the 4 pre-lockout free agent signings

The New York Mets went into the MLB lockout with plenty of fury. They signed four free agents while most of the rest of the league sat on their hands hoping to come out on the other side of things with some improvements.

Throughout the 99 days of no-transactions, Mets fans were feeling optimistic about the coming season.

However, since the lockout has ended and other teams have added, some have questioned the moves. Did the Mets do enough? Did they get the right guys? Was there a major miss? Before games begin to count, let’s recall why we liked those four free agent additions so much.

NY Mets signed free agent Eduardo Escobar to give them infield flexibility and power

Eduardo Escobar could very well hit the second-most home runs on the Mets this season. One of the few guys on the roster to display consistent power in recent years, we should be happy to have him for the added pop he adds to a relatively low-home run roster.

What’s more, Escobar gives the Mets infield flexibility. He should begin the year as the team’s starting third baseman. With the ability to also play second base and even look serviceable at shortstop, there are a lot of places the Mets can plug him in.

Escobar is unlikely to hit for a high average. Even in his productive recent seasons, around .270 is about the best we can expect from him.

A nearly-perfect addition to help bridge the Mets to whichever prospect they decide to name their starting third baseman, Escobar is a two-year comgmitment that will help diversify the lineup with a switch-hitter in the middle of it.