3 free agent targets to become the new starting DH

3) NY Mets free agent target to become the starting DH: Trey Mancini

A more unappealing option for the Mets could be to sign a guy they were rumored to have interest in at the trade deadline. Trey Mancini had an underwhelming stint with the Houston Astros. It only looks like an option because we know how much worse it could be. See Darin Ruf for more information.

Mancini ended up with a .239/.319/.391 slash line combined with the Baltimore Orioles and Astros. He did hit 18 home runs with the final 8 coming in only 186 plate appearances with Houston.

It’s possible that Mancini is a buy-low candidate in this year’s free agent market. The bad finish might even put him in a spot where he’ll look for a pillow contract. Capable of playing first base and the corner outfield, he’s a little more appealing than some others.

Mancini’s market shouldn’t be all that big this offseason. The Mets could find themselves a bargain. The issue I have here is that they don’t need to look for cheaper alternative. This is Steve Cohen’s Mets. They need the best players possible—not the most affordable ones.

Where Mancini might work best is as the right-handed half of a platoon even if it does end up being with Daniel Vogelbach. He could also see some starts in the field occasionally. Mild positional versatility makes him appealing. Plus, as a guy with a solid reputation in the locker room, he might be able to fit in well. One major question would be if he can thrive in a part-time role or if he’s someone who needs more regular at-bats to get getting.