Mets GM Sandy Alderson has begun a very busy off-season. The Mets have a lot question marks and moving parts. Is our best hitter coming back? Will the rotation be completely healthy? Do we need a new closer? Do we have a decent catcher in the house? What do we do with all these outfielders, second basemen, and left handed hitters? At least one position on the diamond requires no thought – shortstop.
Asdrubal Cabrera was signed before last season to a two-year contract for $18.5 million with a team option for a third year at $8.5 million or a buyout of $2 million. This proved to be a very smart signing as Cabrera had a terrific season by any measure. Offensively, the 30-year-old had the second best season of his career, contributing a .280/.336/.474 slash line that included 23 home runs and 30 doubles in 141 games played. Later in the season the switch hitter really seemed to fit perfectly into the two-spot in the lineup, helping to advance runners and get on base, while also delivering some really clutch hits, including the biggest walk-off home run of the Mets’ 2016 season. Defensively, Cabrera was better than advertised, making just seven errors all season and turning smooth double plays. Pre-season talk about his defense focused on diminished range, but as advanced statistics show, that may have been due to playing more of his 2015 games on artificial turf in Tampa. Both his fielding percentage and zone ratings improved last year. While he’s not in the class of Andrelton Simmons or Brandon Crawford, he’s solid.
Cabrera’s contract is perfect as it creates the perfect opening for the Met’s #1 prospect Amed Rosario. If the 20-year-old shows he’s ready this year, we can either buy out Cabrera’s option year, trade him, or move him to second or third base. And if he needs another year in the minors, we simply pick up Cabrera’s option and leave him at shortstop for 2018. According to mid-season reports, Baseball Prospectus (#15) and ESPN (#13) both rated Rosario as a top 20 prospect.
Last year, Rosario slashed a combined .324/.374/.459 between high A Port St. Lucie and AA Binghamton. He hasn’t demonstrated a lot of power yet, however he has hit his share of doubles and stolen plenty of bases. According to ESPN’s Keith Law, “Rosario has great bat speed that should lead to more power down the road, although right now he’s more of a hard-contact hitter who seldom strikes out. He has the quickness and arm strength to stay at shortstop and could be the Mets’ solution there at some point in 2017.”
Whether it’s 2017 or 2018, the Mets are in a position to let this future star take the time he needs to develop. Meanwhile, we’re in good hands with Cabrera.
Before he played his first game for the Mets, critics had decried his defensive skills, attributing it to age.
There is a lot to be said about the “fresh start” that some players need and flourish from.
A team sends a strong psychological signal: you are wanted here, and sometimes, it pays off.
I have followed, but not seen Rosario and the thoughts about him taking over are exciting.
I should also have pointed out that the Mets have tremendous depth at the position with Reyes and Flores on the roster. If Cabrera gets injured, it’s not catastrophic.
If I set the over/under on innings played at SS for the Mets by Wilmer Flores the rest of his career at 10, which way do you bet?
under
#DontBeSurprisedBeReady
Brian and Chris F, please don’t jinx us. Flores is probably third on the depth chart at short right now. We didn’t think we’d see five different triple A pitchers plus Jon Niese starting games for us last season either.
Matt, no jinx. I doubt hes even 5th on the depth chart. He doesnt belong there, and really wont ever be there again.