3 Mets free agent targets for the bench

The New York Mets are currently having one of the best offseasons in the entire league as it seems they keep making impact move after impact move. As many die-hard baseball fans know, championship teams are not only built on star power, but also on depth. The Mets have some areas on their bench that they can certainly shore up or upgrade this winter.

I wanted to identify three players that I think would be really good fits for this Mets ballclub that is in win-now mode. Each of these players could fill out the last spot on the Mets bench and they all most likely would only require a one-year deal or even a minor league deal potentially with an invitation to Spring Training.

In addition to these players not costing the Mets much in terms of commitment and money, these players also provide positional versatility which we've seen is something the Mets have favored on their ballclubs in years past. Without further ado, let's take a look at three free-agent targets that the Mets should target for their bench in 2023. These players are also not ranked in any particular order.

1) NY Mets free agent target: Yuli Gurriel

While Yuli Gurriel is hands down the oldest player who is on this list all the man does is hit. While many people around the league were thinking the end was near for Gurriel after having a down regular season in 2022, he absolutely came alive in the playoffs and helped lead the Astros to their World Series crown in October.

The 38-year Gurriel reminds me of former Met Julio Franco who just seemed to age like fine wine and ended up sticking around the Major Leagues into his late 40s. While it's fair to wonder how much Gurriel may have left in the tank he is one year removed from winning a Gold Glove award at first base as well as winning the American League Batting Title back in 2021.

Gurriel who is a two-time World Series Champion would bring some additional leadership experience to a ballclub that is in the middle of a championship or bust window. In addition to being an experienced bat off the bench or occasional starter at designated hitter for the Mets, Gurriel could spell Pete Alonso at first base, and he also has experience playing both second base as well as third base.

Outside of the Houston Astros showing interest in bringing Gurriel back there has not been too much public interest as of yet. I would venture to say it wouldn't take more than a one-year deal between $6-$8 million to lock up Gurriel this offseason and a scenario of him playing on a contender with his former Astros teammate Justin Verlander would be an enticing option.