It has been covered ad naseum that the New York Mets are looking into the shortstop market for an upgrade over Wilmer Flores, who is projected to be their Opening Day starter. Recently, the Mets have been signing guys with good character, as their last two big name signings have been Michael Cuddyer and Curtis Granderson. When the San Diego Padres decided to non-tender Everth Cabrera, this created an idea that the Mets could potentially go for a low risk, high reward type of player in Cabrera.
Cabrera is going to be 28 years old, and his plus tool is speed. In the past three seasons, he has stolen 99 bases altogether, and led the league with 44 stolen bases during the 2012 season. Defensively, Cabrera has struggled throughout his career, as he committed 13 errors in 90 games last season, and his fielding percentage is around .967 at shortstop. Although it may seem like a great pick up, the Mets and other teams will be worried about the incidences off the field, such as his steroid use (which earned him a suspension) and resisting arrest (which he was found not guilty of). These are going to hold a team back, but why not take a chance on him?
Cabrera will not be a power guy, nor will he hit for a high average. He has a career OBP of .319, and during his 2013 All-Star season, his OBP was .355. Although the Mets are contempt with Juan Lagares leading things off, a Cabrera signing could push Lagares to batting second, and enabling Daniel Murphy to hit in a run producing spot. Signing Cabrera would give Terry Collins a lot of options, and if Cabrera managed to get on base, the offense would not just need to rely on homeruns, as they could play small ball to score a run.
There are downsides to Cabrera’s career so far, as he has not played more than 120 games during a regular season in his six-year career. Also, his average has been above .250 twice in his career, and the lack of power has led to a career slugging percentage of .333. These are some reasons why the Padres prefer Clint Barmes over Cabrera, and are non-tendering him.
Whoever signs Cabrera won’t be paying too much for him, as he will probably search for a short-term contract looking to rebuild his value. However, with his ability to steal bases, and play shortstop and second base, it makes sense for the Mets to acquire him. The Mets non-tendered Ruben Tejada, who could be a nice backup infielder to have, and they now are relying on Matt Reynolds or Wilfredo Tovar to fulfill the back up infielder role. Both of these players are solid, but Cabrera could be an upgrade over both of them, and should not be too expensive to sign.
If Cabrera signs to a cheap contract, he could potentially be a steal in this offseason market. Although it could be similar to the Chris Young (1 yr, $7.25 million) contract, Cabrera has upside, and is younger than most of the shortstop free agents out there, and his speed and potential are worthwhile to invest in.
When did the Mets non tender Tejada?
Good catch 3doza33. I knew there were rumors, and I got EYJr. and Tejada mixed up. The Mets did tender Tejada a contract, so he would be on the roster. Cabrera still could be an upgrade for the team, even with Tejada on the team. Tejada, Flores and Cabrera could fight for the SS position, and the winner plays short, and the others could be back up middle infielders.
James, the Mets non-tendered EY, not Tejada.
At first I thought Cabrera would be great also, but some analysis:
Pros:
– Has great speed
– Plays a position that you need to upgrade and can hit at leadoff, also, a need.
– He will be very cheap. Whether he signs a minor league deal or a $2-3MM MLB deal, it will not be anywhere near $7.25MM.
– He has hit as high as .289 two years ago, but usually is a low average and low walks player. Last year he hit .232.
Cons:
– As written above, he has a low OBP.
– He gets hurt all the time, never playing 120 games in four years.
– “He struggles defensively with 13 errors in 90 games”. He doesn’t even have great range.
– He has been a head ache off the field with various drama.
My opinion:
If the Mets are going to block Flores again, it better be for a more reliable and better player than this.
I see a higher success rate and upside to Drew. Cabrera has one good season in the midst of a lot of crap production and personal issues—- I’m trying to win……I can be luckier and likelier with Drew.
I think Wilmer Flores has the potential to make as much impact in his first full season as a starter as any offensive prospect who has come up since Wright and Reyes. I want to see this kid get a chance. It’s time. #teamflores
The object is to upgrade at shortstop. Cabrera does not do that.
Heck, if the Mets wanted a fast, non fielding shortstop they could have given EY Jr a shortstop glove and put him out there. 🙂
Exactly
They should have done that last February.
His production and defense are similar to Flores. There is no reason to sign this guy.
James,
As someone who has been guilty of more than his fair share of typos I laughed at your “Mets are contempt with Juan Lagares leading things off….”
Let’s save the term “contempt” for li’l jeffy.
I would pass on Cabrera even though I don’t see Flores as a long-term answer at SS.
On the other hand I would love to see an outfield of den Dekker, Lagares and Capt. Kirk get a chance. While lacking in big power, they offer great defense, speed and the ability to hit into the gaps. And den Dekker could be the lead off man against right handers.