The Mets are a team that have been notoriously known for being pitching-oriented, ever since its creation, The offense has been a subject of criticism at times, while other times it has been an unstoppable force. A big reason for this unpredictable nature is because the Mets have been largely inconsistent in producing homegrown offensive talent. Obviously, that’s not say that it has never been done. With Cleon Jones, Edgardo Alfonzo, Darryl Strawberry, David Wright, and Jose Reyes all coming through the Mets system, there have been notable exceptions. The aforementioned Reyes is easily the greatest shortstop in the history of this franchise, from his record breaking triple and stolen base totals, to his batting title, or to his electric play: he was an offensive juggernaut. However since his well-documented departure in 2011, the Mets have had a hard time replacing his presence. The time without him has hurt, especially with the Toronto Blue Jays visiting Queens this week. However, in the coming years, there will be a few options for Reyes’ replacement – all of them homegrown. So let’s take a look at the best options for the next franchise shortstop in Queens.
Wilmer Flores: Current 2015 Slash Line: .248/.283/.425 (MLB)
Already one of the most scrutinized players in Mets history, Wilmer Flores has shown the ability to hit- especially in big moments. Very few people doubt his overall potential at the plate, but many criticize his actual ability to play position. This is a fair statement, considering his 10 errors and -.02 defensive WAR (according to baseball-reference.com). Enough has been said on this topic, so it should be left for discussion at the end of the season. But just remember, Flores leads all MLB shortstops in homeruns.
Amed Rosario: Current 2015 Slash Line: .253/.312/.362 (A+ St. Lucie)
One of the highest touted prospects in the tenure of Sandy Alderson and Co.; Rosario has been average thus far. He has improved his abilities over the past three years, and looks to continue that trend. After cutting his strikeout rate, he has inflated his doubles rate. His defense is pretty solid thus far, considering how differently errors are perceived in the minors compared to the majors. His nine errors is nothing to be ashamed of, especially considering defensive guru Andrelton Simmons posted 28 errors during his A+ stint in 2011. Overall, this kid is years away from truly developing his baseball skills. For now, Mets fans should hope for the best and continue to preach patience for the talented shortstop.
Matt Reynolds: Current 2015 Slash Line: .286/.339/.415 (AAA Las Vegas)
One of the most polarizing prospects in the Mets farm system, Reynolds is known for being a draft pick that the Mets obtained because of the loss of Reyes. He appeared to be nothing more than a future utility option for the Mets, but has possibly since developed into something more. After posting an impeccable .343 average over two leagues in 2014, Reynolds has continued his success into this season. He still appears to be a utility option with the option of second and third base, but his bat suggests that he could be a Ben Zobrist type player. While he might never be an everyday player, he still has potential to be a stopgap option down the road.
Gavin Cecchini: Current 2015 Slash Line: .313/.363/.456
This breakout was long overdue, as Mets fans have ridiculing this guy for years. After getting selected 12th overall in the 2012, Cecchini suffered three sub-par seasons. Cecchini was the annual laughing stock and never showed any promise. This season, on the other hand, Cecchini has improved to the tune of a .313 clip and 14 doubles through 51 games. His defense is not as good as Ruben Tejada’s, but it remains much better than that of Flores. Overall, Cecchini still appears to be a defensive oriented player, but his bat his bat could actually provide something in the future.
Overall, finding a franchise shortstop can be a difficult task for a team at the end of a rebuilding process. It also does not help that the last franchise shortstop that played for the Metropolitans is currently playing for another team. That being said, with all of this options- and a great supporting cast- the chances are that one of these guys forms the mold into an all-star caliber player.
The golden age of shortstops wasn’t that long ago when seemingly every other team had a star at the position. In the 80s we had Ripken, Larkin and Ozzie and in the 90s we had Arod, Jeter, Tejada, and Nomar. In the 00’s we had Rollins, Reyes and a young Tulo. It seemed like Andrus and Aybar would lead the next crop but now they look like solid but not great players with huge salaries. Most teams today have a serviceable player, an aging vet or an overpaid guy who had one big year. Rather than overpaying for someone not much better than Tejada or Flores, the Mets might be best suited getting a Rey Ordonez type and lett Flores play third in Wright’s absence or let him be a Zobrist when the captain is healthy.
Matt, you just described Wilfredo Tovar.
I really feel for Jose Reyes. It must be so frustrating to not play for a winning team.
Did you intentionally ignore Ruben Tejada? It’s an odd omission.
You we’re being sarcastic right? Anyone seen Ruben the past 2 years knows he’s finally found his niche, utility inf.
I intentionally left him off. At the beginning of 2013, he was the shortstop of the future and could have been a .290-.310 hitter for a decade. However, his inconsistent performance has derailed the upside. He still belongs on a major league roster due to his versatility, two strike hitting, and defensive abilities.
Flores is the 8th best SS in the NL based on his fWAR. His wRC+ is 99. There is nothing wrong with being average and inexpensive. There also is plenty of room for him to develope offensively and defensively and age is on his side. I don’t see him being moved off the position in the next 2 or 3 years unless Wright does not come back. Even then, as was seen last winter, it is difficult to obtain a reasonably priced SS and it may be more cost effective to get a 3B. Sandy gambled and won and has every right to now rake in his Flores chips and add a notch to his money belt.
Now that Flores is far exceeding the expectations of his detractors, I find it interesting we’re still having this discussion. But, I understand the speculative nature of blog sites sometimes, so for my money Cecchini and Rosario are the 2 guys who could potentially move Flores. Time will tell.
Good article here. I must admit that Flores has improved in the field as the season has gone on, with that said, I still wonder how Reynolds would do in the majors