Top 10 free agent targets for the Mets when the lockout ends

Oct 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Kyle Schwarber (18) flips the
Oct 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Kyle Schwarber (18) flips the / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 28, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Jonathan Villar (1) reacts / Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

8. Jonathan Villar

The Mets could really benefit from bringing back a familiar face. In a year which saw the Mets decimated with injuries, Villar was a guy they could rely upon to play every day. He played in 142 games, the third most on the Mets this past season. Villar filled in at second base, third base, and even some shortstop.

The Mets would be bringing Villar back in the same role they intended him to play. He'd be a utility guy who can give infielders a day off and be a nice bat or even speed option off the bench if need be.

Villar slashed .249/.322/.416 with 18 home runs and 42 RBI. When the Mets desperately needed a guy to step up, Villar did just that. 18 home runs were more than anyone could've possibly expected and Villar even stepped up to play a pretty reliable third base.

As currently constructed, Jeff McNeil would play second base, Francisco Lindor would be the shortstop, and Eduardo Escobar would man third base. Villar could take starts from all three if need be or if there're injuries.

You can never have enough depth and Villar has proven he can step up and play a bigger role if need be. I expect some bad team to potentially sign Villar to a contract providing him an opportunity to play every day but if that doesn't happen, the Mets should be all over re-signing him.