The Mets’ performance this season has left a lot to be desired, particularly in the Center Field and third base positions.
As the trade deadline on July 31 approaches, it’s clear that upgrades are needed in both areas.
David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, mentioned he was in touch with the team on Monday but didn’t anticipate acquiring a new third baseman. He seemed comfortable with Tyrone Taylor and Jeff McNeill continuing in their roles.
During a press conference after the Mets’ 7-5 win over the Angels, there were questions about whether the team’s future third baseman would come from the current roster, which primarily includes Brett Baty and Ronnie Mauricio.
On the radar could be Eugenio Suárez, especially if the Diamondbacks look to move players. It’s interesting to think about where he fits in.
Stearns commented on how the Mets had initially planned for Jose Ciri to be involved before his foot injury in April. He noted that the strong defensive play from Taylor and McNeill’s growing comfort in his position gives the team some confidence.
“For me, the bar for improvement in center field has likely risen over the past two weeks,” Stearns remarked regarding the combination of McNeil and Taylor.
For the moment, the team will continue with this setup in center field, but the real question hangs over the third base position.
Baty entered Monday with a .647 OPS over the last 44 games, but he had a bit of a surge recently, boasting an .852 OPS over the last 22 games. Still, he’s struggled against most left-handed pitchers.
Meanwhile, Mauricio wasn’t in the lineup on Monday; Baty was batting third while Rusanger Aknya moved into the second spot.
The Mets are hoping one of those younger players can step up, but that hasn’t materialized yet.
Stearns reiterated that he’s okay with using several players in multiple positions if necessary.
“If one of those players establishes themselves as a strong everyday option, that’s fantastic,” he said. “We want to utilize all available talent. If that means a position becomes a shared role, then so be it.”
If the batting lineup improves its performance with runners in scoring position, some of these current struggles might not stand out as much.
“I think we haven’t scored well,” Stearns noted, reflecting on how the team has performed since May 1. He acknowledged the ongoing difficulty with running in scoring position, a challenge that’s persisted throughout the year. “I wish I had a solution for it,” he added.
