Should New York Mets Take a Flyer on Jurickson Profar?
It was an active offseason for the New York Mets, who made improvements all around the diamond.
From bolstering their starting rotation, to rebuilding their bullpen and reinforcing the rest of their roster, the team is in good shape to have a strong season yet again.
However, it's never a bad thing to improve further when there are options to do so. That's why the Mets should consider adding some more versatility in the form of Jurickson Profar.
Profar, 30, is still on the free agent market after a solid 2022 season where he was worth 2.5 fWAR, had 15 home runs, a triple slash of .243/.331/.391, a wRC+ of 110 and a .320 wOBA in 152 games for the San Diego Padres.
Going into the offseason, MLB Trade Rumors ranked Profar as the No. 33 free agent and predicted he would land a two-year, $20 million deal.
That hasn't happened yet, as Profar continues to wait for a new contract.
Currently, Profar is playing for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic and hit a home run for them in their victory over Panama on Wednesday.
A switch hitter at the dish, Profar also has experience playing everywhere around the field except for catcher and pitcher.
In 2022, Profar primarily played left field with the Friars, and while he won't win any Gold Glove Awards, he did have two defensive runs saved in over 1,200 innings.
The Mets brought in Tommy Pham to be their fourth outfielder for 2023 when they signed him to a one-year, $6 million contract.
So far in Spring Training, however, Pham has gone just 2-for-19 at the plate. While it's too early to draw any conclusions, if Pham continues to struggle into the regular season, the Mets don't have a whole lot of options beyond him in the system that could slot into his role.
That's where bringing in Profar could help, and would be a benefit to the team regardless, because he can hit from both sides of the plate and play anywhere around the diamond that the Mets need.
At this point for the Mets, Profar's services aren't a pressing need, but bringing in a player who would only cost money now would potentially save them from having to make a trade later in the season that will cost another player or two in exchange.
Read More:
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- David Robertson Negotiated own Deal to Join Mets
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