Mets roster moves for depth show an emphasis on defense and versatility

A changing of the times or are the New York Mets a bit more unique than your average MLB club? Whichever it is, the ball club has a minor league system stacked with players capable of playing more than one position.

Heading into the offseason, we already knew about Jeremiah Jackson, Rowdey Jordan, and Luke Ritter. A little further down the system but worth noting, there’s Jett Williams. The converted shortstop is trending more toward a spot in center field.

As if this wasn’t enough, the Mets have added even more players fitting this description. Good? Bad? A player who can take on a variety of roles as a utility man is a strength for more than your fantasy baseball roster. However, oftentimes when a guy has many positions he has none.

The Mets are showing how much they value defense even just in its versatility form

From outside the organization, the Mets brought in Cooper Hummel. A rare catcher and outfielder, he’s a switch hitter David Stearns knew from his days with the Milwaukee Brewers. Stearns tapped into a market going beyond his past. Rylan Bannon, one of the more recent additions, is a third baseman who has played all over the infield. He has signed Taylor Kohlwey, an outfielder and occasional first baseman. There’s nothing incredibly special about any of them being versatile enough to man multiple spots. In fact, it’s probably what has kept them in the professional ranks.

The Mets have extended their reach beyond guys who can fill a variety of needs. Jose Iglesias, the well-known middle infielder known for his glove, signed a minor league deal with the Mets. This was a move made purely for defense and as a bit of protection in case of a long-term injury.

The major league roster has included its own defensive additions as well. Joey Wendle is a better version of Luis Guillorme at the plate and maybe even in the field with a glove. Zack Short is the unproven version of him and a likely DFA candidate once we get closer to Opening Day. Rumors of the team looking at a free agent like Michael A. Taylor also lend some credence to how much more important Stearns believes defense is in every which way.