The free agent market is not too great this season, although the Mets have signed Michael Cuddyer. The team has been vocal about possibly acquiring a shortstop, but there are other areas the team could improve upon. For example, Josh Edgin is the best left-handed option for the Mets, and the Mets have not had success with using one main left-handed reliever for the whole season (see Tim Byrdak, Pedro Feliciano, Scott Rice). Also, if the Mets plan on starting Cuddyer at first base against left-handed pitching, they are going to need another outfielder to fill in. Here are some players the Mets may want to consider signing:

Joe Beimel– Last season was a rejuvenating year for the 37-year-old reliever, as he had a 2.20 ERA with the Seattle Mariners, after posting a 5.33 ERA with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011. The statistic that tells the story is that lefties hit .188 against him last season. The cause for concern is that Beimel does not strike out too many hitters, as he struck out 25 hitters in 45 innings. Beimel would not make much money either and would provide the Mets with another lefty option.

Scott Downs– The 38-year-old Downs spent time on the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals last season, and pitched to a 4.97 ERA for both teams. However, from 2007-2013, his highest ERA was 3.15, which could lead to the assumption that Downs had an off year during 2014. Unlike Beimel, Downs does strike out lefties more, as he struck out 16 lefties in 22 innings. The stuff to be productive against lefties is still there, and this could make Downs more desirable (and costly) than Beimel.

Jonny Gomes– If Cuddyer starts games at first base, or as a DH, Gomes is a nice player to have as a fourth outfielder or a spot starter. Gomes split last season with the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics, hitting six homers while driving in 37 runs. His .234 average may be disappointing, but his .276 average against lefties is exactly what the Mets would need. Gomes could be a pinch hitter for Duda if the opposing team brings in a lefty late in the game, and enable Collins to move Cuddyer to first base while putting Gomes in the outfield. Also, Ian Browne discussed the presence Gomes has inside the locker room, which would add to the confidence Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler have been talking about this offseason. Gomes is the type of player to provide a winning attitude, and give everything he has if the Mets sign him.

HairstonScott Hairston– Former Met Hairston is very similar to Gomes. Last season, Hairston hit .250 against left-handed pitching, and played in left and right field. Primarily used as a pinch hitter for the Washington Nationals last season, Hairston did not get too many at-bats. Like Gomes, Hairston would be a nice piece to have off the bench as he provides some pop, and he should not be too expensive for the Mets to sign, especially considering the past couple of seasons have not been his best.

The Mets’ biggest need remains to be a shortstop, and they may not even turn to the free agent market to acquire a new one. The trade market may be a more viable path. These players that are listed are not by any means game-changing players, but they are players who can help lead the team, and impact the game, as the Mets will look for players who can add wins to the roster.

8 comments on “Small signings for the Mets to consider

  • Wilponzi

    Soup is your Left Field option. The fact that he can back up at most position, is a reason they shouldn’t chase Gomes or Hairston

    • Sean Flattery

      I concur. Soup should be a super utility guy next year. The man could hit and looked pretty good in the OF.

  • Patrick Albanesius

    Nice article. I don’t put much value into any of these names, though.

  • TJ

    If Alderson is serious about contending in 2015, he needs to add a legit power lefty to the pen, not a bargain basement guy. He should be able to do this via trade. Let Leather prove he can throw strikes and battle Edgin for the 2nd LOOGY spot.

  • Scott Ferguson

    I think Nieuwenhuis is the 4th OF this year. EY will probably be non tendered and MDD had options. Soup can handle OF chores as well. SS is where they need to look. With Hanley and possibly Sandoval signing with Boston, I wonder if Bogaerts could be acquired.

  • Derek Pimble

    The problem with the Mets is their drafting , I’m no expert , but if I was drafting I would alternate drafting the best pitching available one year and the best hitting the next. Now the Mets are top heavy in pitching and lag in position players who can hit.

    • Name

      You are certainly no expert my good sir.
      The Mets have not drafted a pitcher in the first round since 2011, and that was Fulmer as a supplemental pick.

      2011: Nimmo
      2012: Cecchini/Plawecki
      2013: Smith
      2014: Conforto

      2010 was Harvey, but 09 and 08 were also both position players.
      6 out of the last 7 years the Mets took a position player in the first round or supplemental round

  • Robert

    i wonder if puello will get some consideration as a 5th outfielder considering he is out of options.

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