Wilmer Flores: Where does his future lie?

With the Mets current record running at an impressive 15-5, not many things have gone wrong- except the injuries, of course. This start even more impressive considering the team received more criticism for the questions surrounding the team than praise for the talent that lies on the roster. One major question that was consistently dogging the squad was whether or not Wilmer Flores would be a difference-maker on the diamond. After scuffling in the first few games of the season, Flores has really hit his stride and has been knocking in runs during important situations. Overall, Flores is becoming quite the little surprise in the early season. However, with these positive vibes come a few vital questions to the future of the double-play duo. What should the Mets do with Flores following the 2015 season? Let’s take a peek into the potential future (2016 and beyond).

Options if he thrives:

1) “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” Just keep Flores at short next to Dilson Herrera

At this point, it has become common knowledge that Daniel Murphy will depart after the 2015 season. He has been a good soldier for awful teams, while maintaining a good average and always tries his hardest. He could be named a “cute girl in the ugly group turned to the ugly girl in the cute girl group.” (I credit a comment on another website for that analogy). In the end, there will be a hole next to Flores after 2015, which would be filled by Herrera. This duo would be a marvelous offensive tandem and shouldn’t have too many holes defensively; a double play combination that could run New York for years to come, but we should hold our horses.

2) Have Herrera shift over to Shortstop and Flores to Second Base

By far the biggest question mark with Flores has been his ability to handle his glove in the major leagues. While it is way to early to make a judgment call about his defense, he has certainly bounced back from a rough series in Atlanta. However, he could still simply hit extremely well, but struggle in the field. If this is the case, the Mets should look to place Herrera at shortstop. Herrera, in his 2014 cup of coffee, seemed to be a slick defender with potential on the left side of the infield. The main reason he has never stuck at the position in the minors is because of his arm strength– or lack thereof. If he can just make accurate throws with reasonable speed, he can be a solid defender at short. This move may not be at the top of the docket for the Mets, but it should certainly be explored.

3) Trade Flores at his highest value for Troy Tulowitzki

During the offseason, countless Mets fans probably suggested this idea. With Tulowitzki healthy and Flores thriving, there could be a chance for this trade to transpire. This move would be very reminiscent of the Mets a few seasons back, but this time it would land a top-tier shortstop. Tulowitzki has been solid thus far and could put this team even further over the top. Flores would be a part of an enormous package that would land the superstar and would subsequently start as the successor to Tulowitzki.

Options if he struggles:

1) Still attempt to throw him in a package for Tulowtizki

If Flores is not able to put it all together by mid-season or even tails off at the end of the year, then the Mets should look to seriously upgrade. If he fails to hit for the rest of the season, then it should not be too difficult to convince the Rockies to pick him up considering their history of hitting. If he fails to field, then he could still play at first base for the Rockies (especially considering their lack of depth at the position behind Justin Morneau). Again, he would have to be one piece of an enormous package in order to land a superstar. This trade would bolster the lineup and give a great middle-infield 2016 and beyond.

2) At the conclusion of 2015, try to package him for almost anyone

At this point, if Flores really cannot put anything together, the Mets might as well try to receive any type of return. Flores has been apart of the Mets organization since 2008, but if just turns out to be a failed prospect then it would be just painful to watch him rot in AAA. If they try and trade him to an American League ball club, he could become a DH or even a second baseman for a second-division team. Flores might not be able to persuade a team to give up much in return, but he could be worth what the Mets got for Ike Davis: a reliever and a raw starter.

3) If he struggles, and the team struggles, just let him play until a replacement comes

I’ve already knocked on wood but if the Mets tank this season, Flores might just stick at the position. The Mets will probably look at the potential mess that they’ve got and just hope that he figures everything out. Is this a “good” idea? Probably not. However, if the team reverts back to its old ways, then this is a possibility.

In the end, Flores has been a farmhand for a Mets team that has struggled for years and, if he doesn’t work out, then it just feels like seven years of disappointment. He might not be the best trade chip, but he could certainly be a part of a bigger return. The bottom line is that all Mets fans should hope he becomes a MLB regular and is able to play a starting position for the Mets for years to come.