Mets power rankings: 5 most important free agent fits

3) NY Mets Power Ranking: Free agent designated hitter Michael Brantley

Another potential option for the Mets to explore as an option for their designated hitter would be former Houston Astro Michael Brantley. While Brantley would be a buy-low candidate following his injury-shortened season in 2022 due to a right shoulder injury, Brantley was raking as he has been accustomed to with a .288/.370/.416 slash line with five home runs and 14 doubles in 64 games.

The 35-year-old Brantley has had a batting average over .300 since the 2017 season and was on pace for a sixth straight season of batting over .300 before his season got cut short. Brantley would not only provide a consistent bat for the Mets, but Brantley is also capable of playing in the outfield at a corner spot which provides Manager Buck Showalter with some lineup flexibility.

Interestingly enough Brantley had a .343 batting average in high-leverage situations last season, as well as a .295 average against left-handed pitching which I believe would fit two needs in the Mets lineup. There are certainly going to be a plethora of teams interested in signing Brantley, including his former ballclub the Houston Astros, especially if his health checks out.

MLB Trade Rumors predict Brantley will sign a one-year $15 million deal this offseason. He would make too much sense for a Mets ballclub looking for consistency in their starting lineup. Again, if the Mets are not in on the Correa sweepstakes, they should turn their attention to both J.D. Martinez and Michael Brantley as potential upgrades.