After missing out last month on George Springer, the top free-agent center fielder on the market, the Mets added protection at the position on Sunday.
Albert Almora agreed to terms on a one-year deal, an industry source confirmed, bringing strong defense to the position – behind Brandon Nimmo, in the same kind of role Jake Marisnick was supposed to fill last season.
The 26-year-old Almora, a right-handed hitter, slashed .167/.265/.200 in 28 games for the Cubs last season.
Almora’s addition comes after the Mets’ failed pursuit of Springer, who joined the Blue Jays on a six-year contract worth $150 million. The Mets were also pursuing Jackie Bradley Jr., but the contract length the veteran outfielder was seeking, in addition to the lack of clarity surrounding the DH position, may have sidetracked his candidacy, at least for now.
It’s still possible, according to an industry source, the Mets will pursue Bradley if the universal DH is implemented for 2021. Such an arrangement would allow the Mets to platoon Bradley and Almora in center field and play Nimmo in left. Pete Alonso would become the primary DH with Dominic Smith at first base.
If the universal DH is not approved for this season – the topic remains a sticking point as MLB seeks agreement from the players on an expanded postseason in return for implementing the rule – the Mets in all likelihood will keep Dominic Smith as the primary left fielder with Nimmo in center.
The Mets acquired Marisnick in a trade with Houston before last season with the same idea of reducing Nimmo’s workload in center, where he is a below average player, according to most metrics. But Marisnick battled hamstring injuries and appeared in only 16 games during the pandemic-shortened season. Marisnick was among the free-agent possibilities available on the market, along with Kevin Pillar. The Mets also considered Juan Lagares, who signed a minor league deal with the Angels over the weekend after a strong performance in the Caribbean League this winter.
Almora recorded three outs above average in 2019, according to Baseball Savant, placing him the 81st percentile among outfielders.
The Mets, following Trevor Bauer’s decision to sign with the Dodgers, could still look to bolster the rotation and third base.
Free-agent pitchers available include Jake Odorizzi, James Paxton and Jake Arrieta. The Mets spoke to the Cubs about Kris Bryant earlier this offseason, but it’s unclear if Chicago would consider trading the former All-Star third baseman.