The Mets have met with the representative for free agent infielder Asdrubal Cabrera, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post, who says the Mets are seeking a player who can play second base (either as a starter or reserve) while also giving the team a backup shortstop option.

The soon-to-be 33-year-old Cabrera hit .262/.316/.458 with 23 homers in 147 games last season split between the Mets and Phillies, who the Mets traded him to for RHP Franklyn Kilome.

While the Mets have Jeff McNeil "penciled in" as their second baseman, according to GM Brodie Van Wagenen, they are in need of a backup shortstop since Jose Reyes' Mets career is over.

The Mets signing Cabrera or acquiring another similar player could also have an impact on Wilmer Flores, who is a potential non-tender candidate.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter |

If the Mets are truly interested, a reunion with Cabrera as a jack-of-all-trades who can fill in at second base, shortstop, and third base makes sense. As someone who would potentially start on a team that hopes to contend, it does not.

While Cabrera was solid offensively in 2018, he was one of the worst defensive second basemen in baseball -- worth -17 DRS (defensive runs saved) in 795 innings. He was also quite bad at shortstop, where he was worth -5 DRS in just 204.1 innings. The -17 DRS at second base were a career-worst for Cabrera, who has valiantly played through injuries but whose range has been eroding.

If the Mets go in a different direction than Cabrera for a player who can back up at second base and shortstop, options on the free agent market include light-hitting Freddy Galvis (who was worth 7 DRS in 1,401 innings at shortstop in 2018).

The Mets also have internal options with Luis Guillorme and Gavin Cecchini. But as is the case with Galvis and the majority of the players available via free agency, none would likely offer the kind of offensive punch that Cabrera can.

Popular in the Community