The Mets feel they got the righty bat they needed, and he’s not an outfielder.
As they introduced Wilson Ramos as their new catcher at Citi Field on Tuesday, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen minimized the possibility of adding another outfield bat. The Mets had been closely linked with free agent A.J. Pollock, who has been a frail star in Arizona since 2012.
“We are going to be using our resources efficiently, but we also have to look at where our priorities are,” Van Wagenen said. “Before this signing, a right-handed, middle-of-the order bat was real important to give us balance. Now that we have it, that may not be the No. 1 priority.”
When a right-handed-hitting outfielder was broached again, Van Wagenen reminded that Yoenis Cespedes would return at some point this season.
Ramos, whom the Mets signed to a two-year, $19 million deal with a team option for a third season, slashed .306/.358/.487 with 15 home runs last season.
Pollock, a one-time All-Star who has been a fixture on the disabled list, batted .257 with 21 home runs and 13 steals in 113 games last season.