The Mets would have the freedom to make another trade thanks to the adaptable free agent.
Whit Merrifield was first mentioned as a potential free agent target of the New York Mets way back in the regular season. Merrifield might fill more roster gaps for the Mets than Justin Turner, despite not being the best option when compared to some of the other possibilities available.
Merrifield is essentially Jeff McNeil’s right-handed counterpart, and the Mets might potentially contract him to regularly play left field. Alternatively, McNeil may move to the open corner outfield position and he would play second base.
The advantages extend beyond mere left fielding. Because of Merrifield, insurance is available elsewhere.
Whit Merrifield, a free agent, is now the Mets’ best backup option.
The Mets could feel less trepidation when considering DH options outside Turner if Merrifield signs. Turner’s expertise at third base, where the squad is currently in a bit of a scramble mode because of Ronny Mauricio’s injury, is undoubtedly advantageous. The Mets can always rely on McNeil to supply the offense in an emergency and Joey Wendle to supply the defense if they are so worried about Brett Baty. Whichever strategy they choose to replace Mauricio, it will be detrimental to them defensively or offensively. Mauricio, to be honest, was already going to give them some defensive pause at the position.
The Mets should be able to sign Merrifield along with any of the corner outfielders who are more focused on offense. The top three would be Jorge Soler, Joc Pederson, and Tesocar Hernandez. Eddie Rosario and Adam Duvall are other options. Both of those are superior defenders. For freshness, the Mets might even consider having Starling Marte bat first base on a regular basis.
With Merrifield and a capable outfielder, they will have two strong hitters and a potential third base strategy. McNeil moves aside. McNeil is replaced by Merrifield as the starting second baseman. The addition of the DH/outfielder is glove-capable.
Whether or not the Mets sign someone to a contract that extends beyond a season is the only obstacle in this plan. Merrifield didn’t have the best season in 2023, but a one-year commitment is probably not worth it.
Indeed, free agency provides Another well-known utility man in the sport is Adam Frazier. Another player that might provide flexibility is a left-handed hitter who has been somewhat of a decliner since being traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates. His inability to match Merrifield’s skill set is the issue with him. On the base paths, his speed is not quite as great. If the Mets decide to take a different route than what we’ve been envisioning, Merrifield is a perfectly good choice; Frazier isn’t as appealing as an everyday player either.