Finding room on the Mets for Seiya Suzuki to play everyday

You don’t sign Mark Canha, Starling Marte, and Eduardo Escobar to the amount the New York Mets did to put them on the bench. They need to start. They definitely will, at least when the season begins.

Canha and Marte are expected to make up two-thirds of the outfield with Brandon Nimmo occupying the other spot. This leaves the Mets with zero openings in the outfield for a guy like Seiya Suzuki to come to Queens.

The star free agent from Japan failed to sign before the lockout began but should be available when things finally do conclude; maybe over a couple more rounds of fisticuffs. The Mets may not have the urgent need for an outfielder when compared to other clubs. With the expectation that they’re still ready to spend, spend, spend, is there any way to find room for Suzuki to have an everyday role on the Mets?

A little maneuvering and the Mets starting lineup cane get Seiya Suzuki in there everyday

It starts by taking advantage of Canha’s history. Although he has played all three outfield positions, he hasn’t done it particularly well. He’s an upgrade over some of the other corner outfielders the Mets have had in recent seasons. Compared to Marte and Nimmo, he’s likely to have the worst defensive season.

An outfield spot opens up immediately by simply moving Canha to the DH spot. It’s a role he had several times over the years with the Oakland Athletics. In 2020, he started more games as the DH than he did at any other position.

And there you have it. An outfield spot opens up. Suzuki can join the Mets.

But that’s not all the Mets can do. In addition to playing the outfield, Canha can also play first base.

Moving Pete Alonso into a DH role (even just occasionally) and starting Canha at first base is another route to take. Alonso was actually a pretty good defender last year so I’m not quite sure this works better. Once or twice a week though, the Mets can keep him fresher and have a healthier roster in the long run.

The Mets didn’t get Canha for a bargain price so putting him into a platoon situation or anything less probably won’t happen. He’s making $13 million this year and $11.5 million in 2023. That’s a contract you play until he gives you no other choice.

There’s no question the Mets are a better team with Suzuki on the roster. How realistic it is, that’s a different story.

The Mets are rumored to have an interest in adding at least one more major pitcher and position player before the season begins. Do they have Suzuki in mind for the bat portion? It can work with a few minor changes.